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World J Orthop. May 18, 2026; 17(5): 117014
Published online May 18, 2026. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v17.i5.117014
Published online May 18, 2026. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v17.i5.117014
Sustainability in foot and ankle surgery: Top tips and review of practices
Soorya Siva, Turab Syed, Efstathios Drampalos, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert FK54WR, Scotland, United Kingdom
Charlotte Mathews, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
Author contributions: All authors contributed to the write-up, review, data analysis and manuscript preparation of this article.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Efstathios Drampalos, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Stirling Road, Larbert FK54WR, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Received: November 27, 2025
Revised: December 23, 2025
Accepted: March 2, 2026
Published online: May 18, 2026
Processing time: 172 Days and 13.3 Hours
Revised: December 23, 2025
Accepted: March 2, 2026
Published online: May 18, 2026
Processing time: 172 Days and 13.3 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: The article covers the use of implants in foot and ankle surgery, with an emphasis on balancing effective outcomes and sustainability. The article critically analyzes the cost-effectiveness and necessity of laminar airflow in every case. It questions whether this infection prevention system is always needed, given its expense, and whether there are scenarios where it might not offer significant benefits. There’s a focus on using reusable drapes and patient setup devices to reduce waste in the operating room, aligning with more sustainable practices. The article explores eco-friendly alternatives for post-operative immobilization and casting, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of traditional materials.