Abstract

This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the carbon footprint of orthopedic and trauma surgeries. It compiles data on energy use, material consumption, and waste generation across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases to estimate total emissions and identify key areas for reduction. Peer-reviewed studies from databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were reviewed. Only those with quantitative data relevant to environmental impacts were included. A life cycle analysis (LCA) framework was used to calculate emissions, and statistical tools determined average values. Sensitivity analyses evaluated variability in key parameters. The results showed the intraoperative phase had the highest carbon emissions, averaging 15.0 kg CO₂e per surgery. The preoperative and postoperative phases contributed 2.5 kg CO₂e and 4.0 kg CO₂e, respectively. Overall, each procedure produced an average of 21.5 kg CO₂e. Waste generation showed the highest variability (up to 26.3%), highlighting it as a major target for improvement. The study concludes that reducing the carbon footprint of surgeries requires interventions focused on energy efficiency and better waste management during the intraoperative phase. These findings offer a valuable basis for developing sustainable healthcare policies and practices to lower environmental impacts in surgical care.

Key words: Carbon footprint, orthopedic surgery, trauma Surgery, life cycle analysis, energy consumption