Bone Cement Shortage Could Delay Joint Surgeries, NHS Reports
A shortage of medical bone cement is expected to cause delays for some patients awaiting joint surgery, according to NHS officials.
This situation arises after Heraeus Medical, the primary supplier of bone cement to the NHS, temporarily suspended production at its main facility for two months.
The German company provides approximately 75% of the bone cement used by the NHS. This material is essential in over 1,000 weekly operations, predominantly knee replacements, as well as certain hip and shoulder replacement surgeries.
Hospitals have been instructed to prioritise emergency cases over patients on waiting lists. Priority is likely to be given to older individuals who have experienced falls and those with hip fractures.
Currently, there are 850,000 patients on the waiting list in England for planned joint treatments, representing the largest waiting list among all specialities.
NHS England guidance advises hospitals to concentrate on patients experiencing the most pain or those with complex conditions.
Hospitals reportedly have about a two-week supply of bone cement in stock.
NHS England and its counterparts across the UK are attempting to increase supplies from four alternative manufacturers that also provide bone cement to the NHS.
Patients are advised to assume their appointments and treatments will proceed as scheduled unless they receive specific notification otherwise.
Impact and Responses
Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Arthritis UK, commented on the situation:
"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 to customers, Heraeus Medical explained that a critical machine failure occurred at its main site during an upgrade of its production processes.
An NHS England spokesperson stated that the supply issue is affecting bone cement availability 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 is collaborating closely with government bodies and leading professional organisations to maintain effective care while the supply issue is addressed.
The organisation also aims to minimise delays for patients requiring less urgent care as much as possible.
Fergal Monsell, representing the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), which advocates for joint surgeons, stated that the association is working with NHS leadership to mitigate the impact on patients.
"It is likely hospitals will begin utilising surgeons and operating theatres more for procedures 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.
