Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Arthritis UK, said: “This is a crushing blow for those individuals who have finally made it to the front of the orthopaedic surgery queue after a long time waiting.
“We urge hospitals to communicate quickly with those affected to avoid additional worry and uncertainty.
“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.”
In a letter, external to its customers, Heraeus Medical said it had experienced a critical machine failure at its main site when it was in the process of upgrading its production processes.
An NHS England spokesman said the problem was affecting supply globally.
“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.”
NHS England said it was working closely with government and leading professional bodies to ensure that effective care could be provided while supply is resolved.
It also said it wants to reduce delays for patients requiring less urgent care as far as possible.
Fergal Monsell, of the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), which represents joint surgeons, said his organisation was working with NHS bosses to limit the impact on patients.
He said it was likely hospitals would start using surgeons and theatres more to carry out operations that do not require bone cement.
“The BOA will update surgeons with developments so they can treat their patients as the situation develops,” he added.