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This review examines the challenges and progress of total hip and knee arthroplasty access and affordability in West Africa. The review identifies barriers including high costs, limited insurance, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled orthopedic surgeons. International collaborations and medical tourism show potential for improving orthopedic care in the region.
Access to joint replacement surgery in West Africa is severely limited by economic and infrastructural barriers, highlighting a critical need for increased investment and policy reform.
Artificial joint replacements, including hip and knee arthroplasties, are critical surgical interventions that significantly enhance mobility and quality of life for individuals suffering from degenerative or traumatic joint diseases. However, in West Africa, access to these life-changing procedures remains severely limited due to economic, infrastructural, and human resource challenges. This review examines the current state of artificial joint replacement surgeries in the region, identifying key barriers such as high treatment costs, limited health insurance coverage, inadequate hospital infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled orthopedic surgeons. Economic constraints make joint replacement procedures unaffordable for most patients, with high out-of-pocket expenses exacerbating inequality in healthcare access. Furthermore, healthcare resources are unevenly distributed, with advanced orthopedic services concentrated in urban centers while rural areas remain underserved. Despite these challenges, notable progress has been achieved through international collaborations, particularly with organizations like MOTEC LIFE UK and the West African College of Surgeons, which have enhanced local capacity through training, technology transfer, and resource support. The growth of medical tourism—especially in Nigeria—illustrates a rising regional potential for self-sustained orthopedic care. Achieving equitable access, however, demands increased investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and policy reforms that prioritize affordability, sustainability, and inclusion in orthopedic healthcare across West Africa. Keywords: Artificial joint replacement, affordability, access to healthcare, orthopedic surgery, West Africa.
