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The CARBO CARBON Study

NCT07521943 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 30

Last updated 2026-06-04

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study examines the environmental impact of two common treatment pathways for hand fractures (metacarpal shaft fractures): surgical and non-surgical management. Healthcare contributes significantly to climate change, and orthopedic surgery in particular generates substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Although surgical treatment is frequently favored for these fractures, it is not always superior to non-surgical treatment, and the difference in environmental impact between these options is not well understood.

In this study, researchers will measure and compare the environmental impact of each treatment pathway, from inclusion to twelve months follow-up. This includes environmental impact related to single-use material, medical equipment, energy use, medications, and waste. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will be performed and a mean difference in environmental impact between treatments pathways will be calculates. A Hotspot analysis will also be performed to highlight key sources of environmental impacts. The findings may help guide more sustainable healthcare practices without compromising patient care.

Conditions

  • Metacarpal Shaft Fractures
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Non-operative treatment

Non-operative treatment through immediate unrestricted mobilization with optional buddy taping or removable splinting for comfort.

PROCEDURE

Surgical fixation

Open reduction and internal fixation with plate and screws or screws only, followed by postoperative imobilisation and rehabilitation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Principal Investigators

  • Cecilia Mellstrand Navarro, MD, PhD, ass professor · Karolinska Institutet

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-03-23
Primary Completion
2028-03-31
Completion
2028-03-31

Countries

  • Sweden

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Entities

Companies

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07521943 on ClinicalTrials.gov