Trusts will be able to order the Zimmer Biomet Dutch product from today with 35,000 units having been procured to ensure 10-12 weeks' supply.

The deal was struck after bone cement supplies were impacted by a production fault at  Heraeus Medical.

Speaking yesterday, Professor Tim Briggs, national director for clinical improvement and elective recovery at NHS England, said: ‘This shortage has been extremely concerning for patients and surgeons and we are delighted the NHS has now been able to secure this "rescue package" of alternative bone cement to ensure trauma and elective care can continue across the country.

‘These alternative products have been assured and endorsed by leading orthopaedic experts and will be available for local hospitals to order from tomorrow, ensuring thousands of operations can still go ahead – we'd encourage all patients to please continue to come forward for appointments unless contacted otherwise.

‘While NHS teams have worked quickly to secure this vital replacement supply, some planned operations have already had to be cancelled this week to help protect life-saving trauma care and we will be in touch with those patients to reschedule as soon as possible.'