Decolonising Orthopaedic Research Methodology: Toward an Afrocentric Framework for Knowledge Production in Nigerian Musculoskeletal Medicine

Nigerian orthopaedic and traumatology research has historically been characterised by methodological dependency on Western biomedical paradigms, imported classification systems, and research frameworks designed for high-income country contexts. This epistemological dependency limits the cultural relevance, local applicability, and global equity contribution of Nigerian orthopaedic knowledge production. This theoretical and empirical doctoral study develops and operationalises an Afrocentric methodological framework for orthopaedic research in Nigeria, drawing on decolonial scholarship, indigenous knowledge systems, and critical global health theory. Phase one conducts a systematic scoping review of Nigerian orthopaedic research publications from 2015 to 2024, applying a decolonial analytic lens to assess conceptual dependence, authorship geography, funding sources, and alignment between study designs and local health priorities. Phase two undertakes a Delphi consensus study with 50 senior Nigerian orthopaedic researchers, medical educators, and philosophers of science to develop consensus principles for an Afrocentric orthopaedic research methodology. Phase three applies the emerging framework to the design of a pilot community-based participatory study on bone health beliefs among Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, and Ijaw communities. The study hypothesises that existing Nigerian orthopaedic research exhibits significant conceptual colonialism, and that an Afrocentric methodology framework generates higher community acceptability and contextual validity for research outputs. This research produces an original theoretical contribution to global health epistemology with practical application to orthopaedic curriculum and research governance reform in Nigeria. Keywords: decolonial research, Afrocentric methodology, orthopaedic epistemology, knowledge production, Nigerian musculoskeletal medicine.