The NHS England has secured a rescue package of alternative bone cement supplies, allowing joint surgeries to resume after fears of major disruption.
Hospitals had been told to postpone procedures, including hip and knee replacements, after German supplier Heraeus Medical halted production due to a critical machine failure. The NHS was left with just two weeks of stock and prioritised emergency and complex cases.
Now, supplies from Dutch manufacturer Zimmer Biomet — alongside increased deliveries from Johnson & Johnson — are expected to cover demand for up to 12 weeks.
Prof Tim Briggs said the development ensures trauma and elective care can continue, with affected patients to be contacted and rescheduled. Around 850,000 patients in England are currently waiting for joint-related procedures.
