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Update on Bone Cement Supply Issue - Planned Knee, Hip and Shoulder Surgery Expected to Restart on 2nd March

The Wales Orthopaedic Network (WON) has issued updated guidance on the global shortage of Heraeus Palacos and Copal bone cement products used in some hip and knee operations.


A new bone cement – Zimmer Biomet HI‑FATIGUE G Bone Cement – has now received MHRA approval for use across the UK. Procurement arrangements are in place for Health Boards in Wales to receive supplies by Monday 2nd March 2026.
 

Elective surgery to restart from 2nd March

Based on national clinical advice, Health Boards across Wales can restart cemented elective orthopaedic activity from Monday 2nd March, as soon as the new product is available locally.


Patients do not need to contact us

Patients whose operations were cancelled due to the global shortage will be contacted directly as we start rescheduling procedures.


Please do not contact our teams, as they are extremely busy supporting urgent and trauma care.


Why this has happened?
  • The global shortage of Heraeus cement products is expected to continue for 4–8 weeks, potentially up to 12 weeks.
  • MHRA approval was issued on 23rd February for Zimmer Biomet HI‑FATIGUE G Bone Cement, which is widely used across Europe and has approval from MHRA, the British Orthopaedic Association and NHS England.
  • More than 500 orthopaedic surgeons attended a national briefing this week to confirm the safety profile of the new product.

Impact on patient care
  • Trauma and emergency procedures continue as the top national priority.
  • Elective cemented surgery is expected to restart from 2nd March.
  • We have continued to run non‑cemented knee, hip and shoulder operations wherever possible to maintain activity.
  • We will now begin rescheduling postponed patients and will do this as quickly as possible.
  • We have planned enhanced activity to reduce waiting times.
     
Common questions:
 

Has the Health Board already cancelled operations after 2nd March?
No, we reviewed lists week-by-week to minimise disruption.
 

What happens to patients whose surgery was postponed?
We will contact each patient directly as soon as a new date is available.


Have we filled cancelled sessions with other types of surgery?
Yes, we have maximised theatre utilisation with non‑cemented and alternative procedures wherever appropriate to continue reducing waiting lists despite the disruption caused by the UK-wide bone cement supply issue.
 

Is the new cement safe?
Yes. It is widely used across Europe and has full MHRA, BOA and NHS England approval.