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A new type of bone cement has been approved for use across the UK, amid a global supply shortage.
Last week, Gwent’s health board said it was working with the Welsh Government and other health boards amid the shortage in the material – which is used in orthopaedic surgery for hips, shoulders and knees.
Why is Caerphilly in Gwent?
Caerphilly County Borough was formed on April 1, 1996, by the merger of the Rhymney Valley district of Mid Glamorgan with the Islwyn borough of Gwent.
Administratively, for local services such as the police and health, the borough now falls under a wider region referred to as Gwent. This comprises the council areas of Caerphilly, Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire.
Now, the Wales Orthopaedic Network 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 across Wales to receive supplies of the newly-approved cement by Monday March 2.
Health boards will be able to restart cemented elective orthopaedic activity from that date.
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said patients who had their operations cancelled due to the shortage will be contacted directly with updates, and do not need to contact the health board.
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