Hip, knee and other orthopaedic operations on hold due to supply chain issues
There is a global supply issue from the NHS’s main provider of bone cement. The primary supplier, holding around 82% of the UK market and distributing approximately 4,500 units per week, will be unable to supply product for roughly eight weeks.
Around 100 patients per day sustain fractures requiring surgery where cement is typically used.
Approximately 55% of hip replacements and 90% of knee replacements use cement fixation.
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.”
To manage demand, three groups of patients are being prioritised:
- Trauma patients (e.g. hip fractures). Current stock is sufficient to support trauma cases until the end of this month.
- Elective patients experiencing significant pain.
- Patients with joint infections requiring antibiotic-loaded cement.
Hospitals are reviewing waiting lists locally. Patients should assume their surgery is proceeding unless they are contacted directly.
Facing delays?
If your appointment has been cancelled we want to know if there have been problems with the administration. If you were not given notice, or were given limited notice, of cancelled appointments, get in touch.
