NHS operations are facing disruption due to a global shortage of bone cement.
Bosses said Heraeus Medical, its supplier, had suffered a packaging fault involving its bone cement products.
The health service, which is seeking alternative suppliers, said the issue had halted production at Heraeus’ main site for at least two months.
It estimates it has two weeks’ worth of supplies left, therefore leaving a supply gap of six to eight weeks, and urged trusts to review and prioritise waiting lists to maximise use of available stock.
The products are used for joint surgery, including hip and knee operations. Each year, tens of thousands of patients in England are given hip or knee replacements.
President of the British Orthopaedic Association, Fergal Monsell, said it would update surgeons as the situation developed.
Alternative supplies
Responding to reports operations could be cancelled, he said: “The BOA is working with NHS Supply Chain, NHS England and the relevant Specialist Orthopaedic Societies to identify possible alternative supplies and evidence-based practice to reduce the impact on patients.
“This is a situation that is beyond the control of trauma and orthopaedic surgeons and NHS organisations.
“The solutions we are recommending are designed to lessen the impact on patients and will be determined on the basis of safety and identified clinical need.
“NHS trusts have also been advised to utilise the released theatre time to treat orthopaedic patients where procedures do not require the use of cement.
“The BOA will update surgeons with developments so they can treat their patients as the situation develops.”
‘Any stock already in hospitals is unaffected’
An NHS spokesperson said existing stock would be unaffected.
They said: “Following a global supply issue, the NHS is issuing immediate guidance to hospitals to ensure trauma and urgent care can safely continue, enable the use of alternative suppliers where possible, and to support prioritisation of orthopaedic waiting lists based on patients’ needs over the coming weeks.
“Any stock already in hospitals is unaffected, and the NHS is working closely with government and leading professional bodies to ensure safe and effective care can be provided while supply is resolved, and to reduce delays for patients requiring less urgent care as far as possible.”
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Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Arthritis UK, said the news was a “crushing blow” to patients who were expecting surgery after “a long time waiting”.
She added: “We trust the Department of Health and Social Care will work hard to address the supply issues given the impact on those waiting in pain whose lives are left on hold.
“Aside from the personal toll on people with arthritis, the stakes are high for government who have an uphill challenge to bring down waiting lists to meet ambitious targets.”
