INTRODUCTION:
The burden of non-fatal traumatic injuries (TIs) disproportionately affects low and lower-middle income countries (LLMIC), resulting in a compromised quality of life for those affected, and indisputable socioeconomic consequences for patients and society. Adequate rehabilitation is imperative following TI, facilitating independence and reintegration into society; nevertheless, it remains grossly insufficient in LLMICs.

METHODS:
A narrative literature review was conducted using a structured search of Medline and Web of Science. Studies available in English, published from 2013 onwards and relevant to the barriers to rehabilitation following five TIs in LLMICs were included. The five TIs are known to cause significant disability and include: spinal cord injury, amputation, fracture, burns and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

RESULTS:
The search identified 609 results. After removing duplicates, ineligible studies and the addition of four papers from reference searches, 22 studies remained. Analysis of included studies identified 12 common barriers to rehabilitation in LLMICs and concerned: patients, care teams, organisations and the political environment. Nine barriers were applicable to all five TIs, whilst three were injury-specific.

CONCLUSIONS:
Barriers identified from the literature review were discussed, and potential solutions proposed. Addressing the poor governance and policy for rehabilitation across LLMICs is urgently required before other barriers can be overcome. LLMICs should strive to enhance their rehabilitation workforce and develop national standards for the manufacture and procurement of assistive devices. Future research must explore rehabilitation in underreported regions such as Latin America/Caribbean and examine the TIs that receive limited attention in LLMICs, including burns, fractures and TBI.