Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Compare carbon emissions in two orthopedic surgery settings using different materials

Official title: USE LESS, a Comparative Cohort Study of Climate Change Impact From Orthopedic Surgery.

Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT07657039 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether two different operating room setups and material choices produce different CO2 emissions for common hand and foot surgeries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorKarolinska Institutet
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2025
Main results expectedAugust 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 2027
Registry record updatedJune 18, 2026
Trial IDNCT07657039 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults undergoing hand or foot procedures such as carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, wound revision, or removal of osteosynthesis material at Danderyd's Hospital.

Probably not a fit

Patients undergoing procedures outside the included types or settings may see no change in their care or emissions.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This prospective comparative cohort study aims to quantify and compare CO2e emissions from orthopedic procedures performed in two operating room environments using different material sets and staffing configurations. It uses a Life Cycle Assessment framework to capture emissions across multiple impact categories, focusing on single-use versus reusable products when feasible. The study centers on hand and foot procedures at Danderyd's Hospital and seeks to identify opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint without compromising care quality. No interventions are assigned; researchers observe and compare real-world practice between settings. Findings could inform greener operating room practices in orthopedics.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify practical ways to lower surgical emissions and waste without sacrificing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that targeted changes in materials and processes can reduce surgical emissions, though results vary by setting and procedure.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The following surgeries will be included: release of carpal tunnel or trigger finger, wound revision or amputation of finger or toe, extraction of osteosynthesis material or suturing of extensor tendon (hand or foot) at Danderyd's Hospital.

Exclusion Criteria:

* None

Where it's running

  • Danderyd's Hospital
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.