Limb deformities: the Lagos, Nigeria experience

Abstract

Background: Individuals with various forms and degrees of limb deformities are common on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria. State-sponsored screening and surgical correction of the deformities were carried out in Lagos between June 2004 and May 2006. A report on the pattern of limb deformities is presented. Methods: This was a prospective study of all the patients that were seen and treated during the various screening programmes and operating sessions. Data was stored electronically and analysed using Microsoft Excel software. Results: A total number of 1,321 patients were screened, and 344 satisfied the inclusion criteria for enrolment. They were aged between 9 months and 64 years but only 20% were aged 5-years and below. Females constituted 58.2% and males 41.8%. A total of 513 limbs were surgically corrected. The most frequent deformity and disease entity were bilateral genu varum (45.1 %) and Blounts disease (48.7%), respectively. Proximal tibial wedge corrective osteotomy was the most frequent surgical procedure performed. Most beneficiaries presented late and were discharged within 48-hours of hospital admission. Conclusions: Improved public awareness about the availability of hospital based resources to solve the problem of limb deformity is advocated.

Keywords: Limb deformity, corrective surgery, public awareness.