Orthopedics recently faced a sudden shortage of bone cement, raising fears of postponing operations in the specialty with the largest waiting list. 117,000 hip replacements are performed annually in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, of which 60% require cement; 134,000 knee replacements, where this is approximately 90%; and 77,000 hip fracture operations, where this is half of the cases. The shortage jeopardized procedures for approximately 460 patients during revisions and other operations. Heraeus Medical supplies 82% of orthopedic cement in the UK and only had a week's supply when the shortage was identified. News of the shortage spread by phone and through the British Orthopedic Association's app, which issued the guidance. Dependence on fewer suppliers can be unstable, but standardization is generally beneficial.