NHS Secures Bone Cement Supply After Production Halt Disrupts Surgeries

The National Health Service (NHS) in England has secured a “rescue package” of alternative bone cement, averting widespread postponements of joint replacement and trauma surgeries. The move comes after a critical machine failure at the German production site of Heraeus Medical, a major supplier providing approximately three-quarters of the bone cement used by the NHS NHS secures bone cement rescue package so surgery can re….

Supply Disruption and Impact

Heraeus Medical temporarily halted production last week while upgrading its production processes, experiencing a critical machine failure. This disruption threatened to impact over 1,000 operations per week, including knee and hip replacements, as well as treatments for patients with fractures, particularly older individuals NHS secures bone cement rescue package so surgery can re….

The NHS initially estimated having only two weeks of supply at normal ordering volumes, prompting a focus on emergency cases and the most complex procedures on waiting lists. Currently, approximately 850,000 patients in England are awaiting planned joint treatment, representing the largest specialty on the NHS waiting list NHS secures bone cement rescue package so surgery can re….

Securing Alternative Supply

NHS England has secured a supply of bone cement from Dutch manufacturer Zimmer Biomet, sufficient for 10 to 12 weeks, with initial deliveries already received NHS secures bone cement rescue package so surgery can re…. Johnson & Johnson, another supplier, has committed to increasing its deliveries NHS secures bone cement rescue package so surgery can re…. These additional supplies will be available to hospitals across the UK affected by the shortage.

Reassurance on Alternative Cement

The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) has confirmed that the alternative bone cement has been in use since 2008 and possesses the same chemical components and material properties as the original product. Surgical experts have assessed the alternative, reassuring patients that it will not compromise surgical outcomes NHS secures bone cement rescue package so surgery can re…, NHS England Bone Cement Supply Update – Webinar for ….

Focus on Rescheduling and Waiting Lists

Health minister Zubir Ahmed expressed relief at the breakthrough, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reducing NHS waiting lists. The focus now shifts to rescheduling procedures that were previously postponed due to the supply concerns NHS secures bone cement rescue package so surgery can re….

Ongoing Monitoring and Communication

NHS Supply Chain is regularly updating a dedicated webpage with information on the supply situation and available alternatives Heraeus Medical – bone cement products – NHS England, NHS England Bone Cement Supply Update – Webinar for …. A webinar was held on February 23, 2026, to provide updates and answer questions from orthopaedic surgeons NHS England Bone Cement Supply Update – Webinar for ….

The disruption is expected to last for at least two months, as Heraeus Medical works to restore full production capacity at its German facility Heraeus Medical – bone cement products – NHS England.