Trauma in the rural areas of Western Nigeria and the need for basic radiological services

Trauma requiring radiological investigation in rural areas of Nigeria is mainly the result of road accidents and occupational or domestic injuries. The latter account for 21% of all trauma, and males are far more commonly affected. Treatment is often delayed because of the long distances which patients must travel to district hospitals where radiological facilities are available. These injuries often become heavily infected. Some go to traditional healers who do not require radiological investigation before treatment. The consequence is high mortality and morbidity. The delay in treatment also affects other medical problems which require radiological investigations at the primary care level. A basic radiological service in the primary care centres will indisputably improve the present situation and attract more doctors to work in these areas.