National supply issue affecting bone cement used in joint replacement surgery

Update 25 February

Update on national supply issue affecting bone cement used in joint replacement surgery

We are pleased to report that the supply position around bone cement is now improving. This means we have begun re‑booking the small number of joint replacement operations that had to be postponed last week and earlier this week. No patient has lost their place in the queue and our teams are working hard to offer new dates as quickly as possible.

We fully recognise how upsetting and frustrating it can be to have an operation postponed, even for a short time. We know this can create anxiety and often requires patients and their families to rearrange work, travel and caring commitments.

We are genuinely sorry for the disruption this has caused, which was the result of circumstances that affected the global supply of this product.

We are grateful for the patience and understanding shown while alternatives have been sourced.

Please note:

• There is no need to contact us unless you have been asked to do so
• If you have not heard from us, please attend your appointment or operation as planned.

If you have been affected and have any further questions or concerns, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison team.

Update 19 February

This follows a temporary production halt at one of the main global suppliers due to a packaging fault. Although production has now restarted, availability is expected to remain limited for some time. This is a global issue affecting NHS organisations across the country.

We understand that this news may be concerning for patients waiting for joint replacement surgery. Patient safety remains our priority and we are working closely with national partners to manage stock carefully and reduce the impact on our patients as far as possible.

Planned joint replacement surgery

Some planned hip, knee and shoulder replacement procedures may need to be temporarily postponed. Surgical teams are reviewing cases individually, and in some circumstances clinically appropriate alternatives that do not require bone cement may be considered.

How we are prioritising care

Due to limited supply, bone cement is being preserved for patients with the most urgent clinical need. This includes:

• Hip fracture (trauma) operations, such as patients admitted with a broken hip following a fall
• Urgent cancer-related orthopaedic surgery
• Revision surgery, where an existing joint replacement needs to be corrected or replaced
• Treatment of infected joints

This approach ensures we can continue to provide time-critical and emergency care safely.

What this means for patients

• If your surgery is affected, we will contact you directly.
• If you have not heard from us, please attend your appointment or operation as planned.
• There is no need to contact us unless you have been asked to do so.
• All other planned operations and outpatient activity are not affected.

We recognise that delays can cause anxiety and discomfort. If your symptoms worsen or your pain becomes more difficult to manage while you are waiting, please contact your GP or usual clinical team for advice.

This is a fast-moving situation that we continue to monitor closely. We will keep patients and the public updated as further information becomes available.

We apologise for the uncertainty this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding.