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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Karolinska Institutet Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stockholm) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07657039 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
- Study coordinator: Marianne Smith, MD
- Email: marianne.smith@regionstockholm.se
- Phone: +46737803594
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Device for tracking stool and urine output
This study is testing a new electronic device that helps people easily track their stool and urine output to improve health monitoring.
-
Cognitive Rehabilitation of Everyday Goals With GMT: How Different Ways of Delivery Work
This study tests Goal Management Training to see if a Swedish version helps adults with acquired brain injury or chronic pain improve practical goal-directed thinking and daily functioning.
-
Sensory nerve tests after finger nerve injury
This study tests whether neurophysiological measurements can reflect finger sensation changes after digital nerve injury, using patients as their own controls.
-
National Highly Specialized Care for Severe Self-Harm and Eating Disorders in Swedish Youth
This observational study tests how well NHV, a highly specialized care program, works for children and teens with severe self-harm or eating disorders by asking patients and their parents about their experiences and what changes they notice.
-
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management for teens with anorexia or atypical anorexia
This study tests a teen-focused SSCM approach to help 13-17 year-olds with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa when other treatments haven’t worked or can’t be used.
-
National Highly Specialized Care for adults with treatment-resistant self-harm and eating disorders (Substudy 1)
This study tests how people with severe, hard-to-turge self-harm or eating disorders in Sweden experience NHV care and whether the treatment helps with symptoms and daily functioning.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.