1. Introduction

Responsible Consumption and Production

Did you know that a quality prosthetic leg following an amputation may cost at least R80 000 to R1 000 000 in South Africa?

Which explains why the majority 84% of South African population without medical insurances cannot afford quality prosthetic limbs from private healthcare. Similarly in the private sector to control against the high prosthetic cost, all medical insurances have implemented a cap limit for prosthetic benefits. For example, medical aid scheme offers a Prescribed Minimum Benefits PMB, while other disability insurances such as Road Accident Fund, Federated Mutual Assurance, Compensation of Injury on Duty, and Rand Mutual Assurance to name a few have offered a selected technology under a published Government Gazette.

In a prosthetic rehabilitation world striving for sustainable development, intersection of frugal innovations, economic, social and environmental responsibility is crucial.

At Ludada and Associates Orthopaedic Services LAOS, we are committed to revolutionizing prosthetic rehabilitation through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals SDG’s, specifically SDG 3 and SDG 12 for increasing access to quality prosthetic devices and doing so through responsible production and consumption respectively. The following business case study in our innovative Circular Prosthetic Upgrade Program, exemplifies the impact of our developmental work.

This case study highlights our approach, the challenges faced by our patient, and the successful outcomes achieved

2. The Patient Challenge

Worn-Out Prosthetic Condition

Our patient, a 55-year-old above-knee amputee, faced significant hurdles due to a failing prosthesis received four years prior from a public hospital.

Before losing his limb, he was employed as a carpenter but lost his job because of inability to keep up with the demands of the job. Also, as a cattle farmer, his mobility limitations severely affected his ability to look after his cattle. He therefore presented himself to our establishment for an appropriate quality prosthetic fitting. With a goal of being an unlimited community walker K3 by running his own carpentry business and his cattle farming

With no medical insurance, the prospect of a full prosthetic replacement with a total cost R200,781.85—was daunting and seemingly unattainable.

3. The Solution: Prosthetic Upgrade Service

Upgraded Prosthetic Leg Segments

Instead of opting for a complete replacement of the existing prosthetic leg. Our Prosthetic Upgrade Device Assessment suggested an upgrade/refurbishment of the existing prosthetic leg by remanufacturing the existing socket. This circular approach reduced the cost of manufacturing, and those savings helped us to improve the quality of prosthetic technology from that of a limited outdoor walker to an unlimited community walker.

4. Key Benefits of the Service

Sustainability Outcomes

• Reduce manufacturing cost from R200 089.74 to R159,042.08 resulted to 21% cost saving.
• Cost reduction will eliminate out of pocket payment for medical aid scheme members.
• Reducing cost, increases affordability and access to quality technology even to the 84% majority without medical insurances.
• Increase quality of new prosthetic technology to enhance functional human capacity from a limited community walker K2 to unlimited community walker K3
• Sustainable Resource Use of existing prosthetic socket minimized waste and maximized resource efficiency

This case study underscores how responsible production and consumption SDG 12 can enhance our triple bottom line of sustainability in profitability for business (economic), increased access/reach (social) and reduced waste (environmental)

5. Conclusion

The case of our above-knee amputee patient exemplifies how thoughtful, responsible practices in prosthetic rehabilitation can transform lives.

By achieving a 21% cost saving through our Prosthetic Upgrade Program, we not only improved his mobility and quality of life but also aligned our efforts with critical global sustainability goals and the circular economy model. The upgrade from a limited outdoor walker to an unlimited outdoor walker illustrates our commitment to enhancing the quality of prosthetic technology while ensuring affordability. At LAAOS22, we believe that every prosthetic upgrade is a step toward a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future.

Together, we can empower individuals and communities, proving that responsible production and consumption can coexist with exceptional healthcare solutions.

Join us in our mission to transform lives—one prosthetic upgrade at a time.