Access to Orthopaedic Devices in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Challenges and Opportunities.

Dworkin, M., Woolley, P. M., Shahab, F., Noe, M. C., Barry, R., Chomba, D., Makasa, E., Pradhan, N. M. S., Byiringiro, J. C., & Agarwal-Harding, K. J. (2025). Access to Orthopaedic Devices in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Challenges and Opportunities.. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, 107(10), 1154-1160.

Abstract

➢ Musculoskeletal injuries constitute a substantial proportion of worldwide disease, with access limited to many due to the availability and cost of devices. A multifaceted approach is needed to improve system-level access to care.➢ Although a number of procurement policies are utilized, providers in low and middle-income countries often struggle with inconsistent supply chains, leading to delays in care or less desirable management strategies.➢ Partnerships between governments, academic institutions, and nongovernmental agencies are needed to improve access to devices by providing funds for patients and creating regulatory bodies to ensure product quality and availability.➢ There should be a focus on local and regional manufacturing as well as job creation within low and middle-income countries to achieve sustainable access to orthopaedic devices.➢ High-quality research initiatives are needed to provide evidence-based solutions. This includes a focus on outcomes-based studies to determine best management practices within the low and middle-income countries' context and operations research to optimize systems for device procurement.

Last updated on 04/21/2026
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