TITLE:
An Update on Traumatic Joint Dislocations in Nigeria
AUTHORS:
E. O. Edomwonyi, R. E. T. Enemudo
KEYWORDS:
Update, Traumatic, Dislocation, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.5 No.7,
July
30,
2015
ABSTRACT: Trauma has assumed a pre-eminent epidemic proportion in the hierarchy of diseases afflicting the growing populace in Nigeria. Research into traumatic dislocations is relatively small. Road traffic accident is the commonest cause of traumatic dislocation in Nigeria currently. Human factors and collapse of road infrastructures are the major reasons. Young, productive, adult males are still the most affected while the rarity among children is again highlighted. Careful and detailed evaluation of patients is advised as certain conditions can mask the presence of a dislocation. Lack of diagnostic and therapeutic facilities in most centres in Nigeria makes this difficult, with clinicians resorting to clinical evaluation only and probably supported by only plain X-rays in some cases. Most cases are amenable to closed surgical management. Identification of long term complications is a major challenge, because of the poor follow up culture of our patients. Good road design and maintenance, enforcement of road regulations, manpower development and improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic facilities in all centres will reduce the burden of traumatic dislocations on the populace.