Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
08:43
Potentiodynamic Corrosion Testing
Published on: September 4, 2016
17.6K
Bone cement in total hip arthroplasty - Is it really green?
Lee Hoggett1, Tom Havenhand1, Anthony Helm1
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Summary
Cemented total hip replacement (THR) generates significantly more hazardous waste than uncemented THR. Both procedures can reduce waste through simple theatre changes and industry collaboration for sustainable packaging.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Waste Management
- Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare
Background:
- Total hip replacement (THR) is a common orthopedic procedure with varying implant choices (cemented, cementless, hybrid).
- The environmental impact of surgical consumables, particularly waste generation, remains under-evaluated across different THR techniques.
- Quantifying and characterizing waste from THR consumables is crucial for developing sustainable surgical practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the volume and type of waste generated from consumables in cemented versus uncemented total hip replacement (THR).
- To assess the proportion of clinical and recyclable waste for each THR implant type.
- To propose strategies for reducing consumable waste in THR procedures.
Main Methods:
- Prospective review of all waste related to consumables during THR procedures.
- Waste was weighed using a calibrated scale (accuracy to 1g).
- Primary outcome: waste generated per case by implant choice (cemented vs. uncemented); Secondary outcomes: proportion of clinical and recyclable waste.
Main Results:
- Cemented THR generated significantly more waste (1.89 kg) than uncemented THR (775 g).
- Cemented THR produced a higher proportion of hazardous waste (40%) compared to uncemented THR (10%).
- Uncemented THR waste was more recyclable (86%) than cemented THR waste (52%); 20-30% of packaging included information booklets.
Conclusions:
- Cemented THR generates substantially more consumable waste, with a greater hazardous component, than uncemented THR.
- Simple process modifications in operating theatres can enhance waste recyclability for both cemented and uncemented THR.
- Industry collaboration is essential to minimize packaging and improve the overall sustainability of THR consumables.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Bone Remodeling
34.4K
Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.
34.4K
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
5.8K
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
5.8K