ReviewAfrican journal of disability2026
Exploring barriers to access and use of limb prostheses and orthoses in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.
Review in African journal of disability, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: Prosthetic and orthotic devices play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by improving mobility, health, psychological well-being, and socio-economic opportunities. However, access to these assistive devices remains a considerable challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to explore and categorise the existing barriers and challenges that affect access to limb orthoses and prostheses in sub-Saharan African countries. Method: A systematic search of seven databases was conducted to identify relevant studies using the search terms: 'prosthesis' or 'orthosis' and sub-Saharan African countries and variations of each term. Quality assessment of each study was completed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale and the Oxford Levels of Evidence. Results: Twenty-two journal articles were included for review following database search and screening, evaluating a total of 3726 participants. Results were organised into four generalised themes, and each theme was categorised into sub-themes. Conclusion: The review identifies multifaceted barriers to accessing and utilising limb prostheses and orthoses in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily driven by economic constraints and cultural barriers. The lack of multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams further contributes to fragmented and inefficient service delivery. Orthotic and prosthetic training centers and colleges are underdeveloped, facing problems such as ineffective teaching methods, outdated curricula, inadequate research facilities, and a shortage of experienced professionals. Contribution: This review synthesises evidence on barriers to prosthetic and orthotic access in sub-Saharan Africa, categorising challenges into thematic domains and highlighting gaps in service delivery, education, and workforce capacity to inform policy, practice, and future research directions.
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