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Quantifying Solid Waste Production and Sustainability Barriers in Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery: A Mixed-methods
Cameron Nosrat1, Ishaan Swarup
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, CA.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|August 6, 2025
Summary
Pediatric orthopedic surgery generates significant solid waste, with posterior spinal fusion producing the most. Systemic barriers hinder sustainable practices, necessitating targeted strategies for waste reduction in operating rooms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Public health
- Surgical waste management
Background:
- Healthcare sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Operating rooms generate substantial hospital waste.
- Pediatric orthopaedic surgery's waste production is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify solid waste in pediatric orthopaedic procedures.
- Assess operating room staff perspectives on sustainability.
- Identify barriers to waste reduction in pediatric orthopaedic surgery.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods study at two pediatric hospitals.
- Solid waste audits of 20 pediatric orthopaedic surgeries.
- Surveys on staff attitudes and barriers to sustainability.
Main Results:
- Average waste per procedure: 15.02 kg.
- Posterior spinal fusion generated the most waste (29.49 kg).
- Estimated 5.03 metric tons of waste from 4 procedures in 2024; no recycling occurred.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric orthopaedic surgery generates substantial solid waste.
- Systemic barriers impede sustainable practices despite staff awareness.
- Recycling infrastructure, preference card optimization, and education are crucial for waste reduction.
