Annette Eidmann, Felicitas Geiger, Tizian Heinz, Axel Jakuscheit, Denitsa Docheva, Konstantin Horas, Ioannis Stratos, Maximilian Rudert
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: The health-care sector and particularly the surgical sector are major contributors to the exacerbation of the global climate crisis. Little is known about the carbon emissions caused by surgical procedures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the carbon footprint associated with common orthopaedic surgical procedures.
Methods: Eight surgical procedures (total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, shoulder arthroscopy, elective foot surgery, revision hip arthroplasty, and revision knee arthroplasty) were selected for analysis. The inventory process was performed according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol for all activity occurring in the operating room.
Results: The carbon footprint (in CO2 equivalents, CO2e) ranged between 53.5 kg for knee arthroscopy and 125.9 kg for revision knee arthroplasty. Energy consumption accounted for 57.5% of all emissions, followed by other indirect emissions (38.8%) and direct emissions (3.7%). The largest single contributors were the supply chain (34.6%) and energy consumption for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning (32.7%).
Conclusions: Orthopaedic surgical procedures produce considerable amounts of CO2. Reduction in and greening of energy consumption, as well as the decarbonization of the supply chain, would have the greatest impact in reducing the carbon footprint of orthopaedic surgical procedures.
Clinical relevance: Orthopaedic surgical procedures contribute to the climate crisis by emitting relevant amounts of CO2. It should therefore be imperative for all orthopaedic surgeons to endeavor to find solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of their practice.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS) has been the most valued source of information for orthopaedic surgeons and researchers for over 125 years and is the gold standard in peer-reviewed scientific information in the field. A core journal and essential reading for general as well as specialist orthopaedic surgeons worldwide, The Journal publishes evidence-based research to enhance the quality of care for orthopaedic patients. Standards of excellence and high quality are maintained in everything we do, from the science of the content published to the customer service we provide. JBJS is an independent, non-profit journal.