Value-Based, Environmentally Sustainable Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery.

ABSTRACT

Orthopedic surgeons are increasingly recognizing the broader societal impact of their clinical decisions, which includes value-based and environmentally sustainable care. Within anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, value-based care-or most cost-effective care-includes an outpatient surgical setting with regional anesthesia, use of autograft, meniscus repair when indicated, and use of traditional metal implants such as interference screws and staples. Environmentally sustainable care includes slimming down surgical packs and trays to avoid opening unnecessary equipment, avoiding desflurane as an inhaled anesthetic agent, and minimizing waste in the operating room-a priority that addresses both cost and environmental impact.