A woman pushing a wheelbarrow through a field of newly planted young trees by Avon Needs Trees.

The environmental impact of joint replacement surgery

Resource use

Surgical procedures consume significant resources, including surgical instruments, anaesthetics, and disposable materials. The choice of materials and methods can influence the overall environmental footprint.

Waste generation

Operating rooms produce substantial medical waste, including single-use plastics and biohazard materials. Implementing sustainable practices, like recycling and waste reduction programmes, can help mitigate this impact.

Energy consumption

Hospitals are energy-intensive facilities. Surgical procedures contribute to this demand. Innovations in operating room design and efficiency can reduce energy use and enhance sustainability.

Carbon footprint

Transportation of surgical materials and patient travel contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Local sourcing of materials and telemedicine options for pre- and post-operative care can help lower the overall carbon footprint.

By partnering with Avon Needs Trees, Mr Baker aims to offset some of the environmental impacts of joint replacement surgery.
The impact of orthopaedic surgery is significant on the environment. Mr Baker joined with Avon Needs Trees in June 2024. To mitigate for every patient’s new joint replacement that Mr Baker performs in the private hospital, he will purchase one tree! He asks patients to celebrate their new joint by joining him in matching the donation (this is, of course, not obligatory). 
Flyer from Avon Needs Trees about teaming up with Mr Richard Baker
Performed
over 1,500 knee
+ 2,000 hip
replacements
Over
400 partial knee
replacements
In total
over 3,500
knee and hip surgeries
and counting...
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Using only top-rated implants