Objectives Healthcare contributes considerably to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from operating theatres. The global demand for total hip replacements (THR) is rising, highlighting the need to understand its impact on the environment.
The study aims to assess the environmental impact of THRs using life cycle assessment (LCA) and to identify key contributors. Design A process-based LCA focusing on the surgical procedure was conducted in accordance with global standards (ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006).
Eleven sensitivity scenarios were performed to assess the robustness of the results. Setting A Danish University Hospital.
Participants The empirical data involved the quantity and type of surgical equipment, material composition, energy usage and clinical infrastructure. There were no study participants.
Interventions No study interventions were performed. Primary and secondary outcome measures 18 environmental impact scores, such as global warming, human toxicity and water consumption, were assessed.
Results The carbon footprint of a THR was 62.0 kg CO 2 e, with major contributors being single-use disposable utensils (54 %), implants (22 %), and sterilisation of non-disposable utensils (18 %).
BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 07 May 2026.
The item focuses on Environmental impact of total hip replacements: a life cycle assessment study.
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