A shortage of medical cement could lead to delays in patients receiving hip and knee replacements and other pre-planned surgeries, experts have said.
Due to a global supply issue from the NHS’s main provider of bone cement, hospitals have been ordered to ensure supplies are directed to trauma and urgent care.
Campaigners said the news is a “crushing blow” to patients who have been waiting for surgery.
Bone cement is used to anchor artificial joints and fill the space between the new joint and the patient’s bone.
There are several different types of medical cement that are used in operations, including orthopaedic and dental surgery.
It is understood the NHS has supplies for the next two weeks and officials have estimated there could be a gap of six to eight weeks’ supply.
Heraeus Medical, the main supplier of bone cement for the NHS, reported a packaging fault affecting its bone cement products.
The issue has temporarily halted production at its main site and will impact product availability for at least two months.
An NHS England spokesperson 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: “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.
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.”
Arthritis UK are offering support to anyone concerned about the impact of these delays, providing a free helpline for those waiting for surgery.
Tens of thousands of patients are given hip or knee replacements in England each year.
Fergal Monsell, president of the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), said it is working with NHS officials to “identify possible alternative supplies” to reduce the impact on patients.
“This is a situation that is beyond the control of trauma and orthopaedic surgeons and NHS organisations,” said Mr Monsell.
BOA say they will update surgeons with developments so they can treat their patients as the situation develops.”
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