Orthopedic Surgery in Lagos, Nigeria: An Overview –

The practice of orthopedic surgery in Nigeria has had numerous improvements within the past few decades due to local and international contribution to the development of medical systems. The Nigeria orthopedic surgeons are now receiving more and more positive attention because of the strict training courses and the cooperation with international medical organizations. Lagos, Abuja and other cities are home to many hospitals with infrastructure that can accommodate the execution of demanding orthopedic operations such as joint replacements, spinal surgery and trauma surgery. These have gone a long way in enhancing the quality of life for patients diagnosed with musculoskeletal disorders.

The increase in orthopedic surgery in Nigeria is also due to growing interest in medical education and other organizations like the Nigerian Orthopaedic Association. These organizations help in maintaining continuous professional development as well as standardization of practices. In addition, the government and private sectors have developed better systems to enhance healthcare services which have made it easier to access quality orthopedic services in the country.

When should you consider getting Orthopedic Surgery?

One should seek orthopedic surgery when other treatment modalities have not relieved the pain or improved the mobility of the affected body part, affecting the patient’s daily functioning. Here are some specific scenarios:

Severe Pain: For those who suffer from an unendurable bone, joint, or muscle pain that is unresponsive to medication or physical therapy, surgery might be needed.

Limited Mobility: Orthopedic surgery may be needed when joint stiffness or musculoskeletal problems make it difficult to move or perform some basic tasks.

Traumatic Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, or ligament ruptures  accidents or sports activities may require surgical procedures to reduce fracture gaps and fix damaged tissues.

Degenerative Conditions: In the case of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other degenerative joint diseases, if lifestyle changes and medications no longer work, joint replacement can help.

Types of orthopedic surgeries –

1. Joint Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty)
   • Hip Replacement
   • Knee Replacement
   • Shoulder Replacement
   • Elbow Replacement
   • Ankle Replacement
2. Arthroscopy
   • Knee Arthroscopy
   • Shoulder Arthroscopy
   • Hip Arthroscopy
   • Ankle Arthroscopy
   • Wrist Arthroscopy
3. Fracture Repair Surgery
   • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
   • Closed Reduction and External Fixation
   • Intramedullary Nailing
4. Spinal Surgery
   • Spinal Fusion
   • Laminectomy
   • Discectomy
   • Vertebroplasty
   • Kyphoplasty
5. Soft Tissue Repair
   • Tendon Repair
   • Ligament Reconstruction (e.g., ACL Reconstruction)
   • Meniscus Repair
6. Corrective Surgery
   • Osteotomy
   • Limb Lengthening
   • Correction of Congenital Deformities (e.g., Clubfoot, Scoliosis)
7. Hand Surgery
   • Carpal Tunnel Release
   • Dupuytren’s Contracture Release
   • Trigger Finger Release
8. Foot and Ankle Surgery
   • Bunionectomy
   • Plantar Fascia Release
   • Achilles Tendon Repair
9. Bone Grafting
   • Autograft
   • Allograft
10. Tumor Removal
    • Resection of Bone Tumors
    • Removal of Soft Tissue Tumors

Cost of different types of orthopedic surgeries in Lagos, Nigeria –

Orthopedic Surgery Success Rate in Lagos, Nigeria –

Orthopedic surgery in Nigeria has also improved over time and the success rate in the operation currently stands at 90%. This high success rate may be expected due to the increased medical facilities in the country, the experienced orthopedic surgeons in Nigeria and the technological methods employed in surgeries. Additional training and partnerships with doctors and institutions in other countries have built up the proficiency of local surgeons in hand to tackle more complicated surgeries. Consequently, more and more patients from Nigeria can achieve better outcomes, as well as improved quality of life after the orthopedic surgery.

Insurance coverage for orthopedic surgery in Nigeria –

In Nigeria, insurance is offered for orthopedic surgery but the extent of cover may depend on the type of insurance plan and the insurance company. Some facilities usually offered by NHIS include orthopedic surgeries, though it may not fully meet the required costs. The NHIS seeks to extend the coverage of health facilities, but a significant number of individuals in Nigeria are either uncovered or have limited health insurance, which forces them to bear exorbitant costs out-of-pocket for such treatments. Thus, patients may have to seek other means to finance the necessary orthopedic surgery from other sources such as non-governmental organizations or charitable organizations.

What to Expect After Orthopedic Surgery –

1. Post-Operative Pain and Discomfort
   • Pain management with medications
   • Possible swelling and bruising
2. Hospital Stay
   • Duration varies by surgery type
   • Monitoring by medical staff
3. Mobility Restrictions
   • Use of crutches, braces, or slings
   • Limited weight-bearing or movement as advised
4. Physical Therapy
   • Personalized rehabilitation plan
   • Exercises to restore strength and flexibility
5. Follow-Up Appointments
   • Regular check-ups with the surgeon
   • Progress assessment and adjustments