Trends in Trauma Services: A Review of the Nigerian Experience

Abstract

Trauma care has been ongoing in Nigeria since the Colonial period when wounded soldiers from World War II were rehabilitated at a hospital in Lagos. This has evolved into a point that we now train specialists in trauma care in many hospitals in the country. In spite of progress made, trauma remains a neglected disease in Nigeria, organized trauma services remain a mirage and traditional bone setter’s practice prevails with dismal outcomes. The purpose of this review is to appraise how Nigeria as a country has fared in the provision of trauma services and the way forward.