2050: An Arthroplasty Odyssey

Drawing inspiration from Stanley Kubrick's iconic science fiction masterpiece, this study posits that the future of joint health is not confined to a singular trajectory but is instead shaped by our collective efforts towards pioneering initiatives that transcend present-day boundaries. From its inception to the horizon of 2050, the trajectory of arthroplasty presents a compelling narrative of medical innovation, socioeconomic challenges, and sustainability pursuits. This Perspective addresses the growing osteoarthritis epidemic, emphasizing the urgent need for prevention and early-intervention strategies to reduce disease progression in the context of imminent critical-raw-material scarcity and the transition to a carbon-free economy. This transition, aiming for Net Zero by 2050, may unintentionally lead to financial instabilities and healthcare disruptions-driven by supply-chain fragility and rising costs-and could thereby exacerbate inequities in access to elective joint replacement. The illustrative scenarios and conditional comparative trends presented here highlight potential co-occurring clinical, economic, and material risks under business-as-usual (BAU) assumptions. These multifaceted complexities warrant the development of coordinated strategies. By examining current trends and future challenges, this paper therefore calls for a holistic approach to the green transition that promotes multidisciplinary dialogue and policy alignment to ensure an ethical, equitable, and sustainable future for resilient arthroplasty services amid ongoing decarbonization initiatives.