Burden and Management Challenges of Musculoskeletal Tumours at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri

Musculoskeletal tumours, encompassing both benign and malignant neoplasms of bone and soft tissue, present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in resource-limited settings. This retrospective descriptive study documents the burden, histological spectrum, and management challenges of musculoskeletal tumours at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria, over a five-year review period. Histopathology records, surgical notes, and clinical registers will be reviewed for patient demographics, tumour site, histological diagnosis, staging where available, management received (surgical, adjuvant therapy), delays in diagnosis, and outcome. Descriptive statistics will characterise the tumour profile, and barriers to timely and definitive management will be identified through systematic record review. The study anticipates a high proportion of late-stage presentations, reflecting delayed diagnosis attributable to limited biopsy and imaging infrastructure. Findings will be submitted to the department of orthopaedics and the Imo State Ministry of Health to advocate for improved oncological diagnostic capacity. This study fills a data gap in musculoskeletal oncology epidemiology in the South East zone, where formal tumour registries are absent. Strengthening the oncological infrastructure at regional tertiary centres is essential for improving survival and functional outcomes in this patient population. Keywords: musculoskeletal tumours, bone tumours, orthopaedic oncology, Owerri, resource-limited settings.