Survey of Orthopaedic Surgical Equipment Availability in Public Secondary Hospitals in Rivers State

Adequate surgical equipment is a prerequisite for the safe and effective delivery of orthopaedic care, yet equipment deficiencies remain pervasive in Nigerian secondary health facilities. This descriptive survey assesses the availability and functional status of essential orthopaedic surgical equipment in public secondary hospitals in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A validated facility assessment checklist based on the WHO Surgical Care at the District Hospital guidelines will be administered in 25 randomly selected general hospitals across the state's local government areas. Equipment domains to be assessed include fracture fixation implants and instruments, intramedullary nailing sets, external fixators, tourniquet and bone traction equipment, operating theatre lighting, and C-arm image intensifiers. A composite equipment adequacy score will be calculated for each facility. Qualitative interviews with orthopaedic officers and theatre nurses will supplement quantitative findings. The study anticipates widespread equipment shortages and high rates of non-functional machinery. Findings will be submitted to the Rivers State Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Development Agency to inform capital procurement planning. This survey provides a baseline assessment of orthopaedic surgical capacity in Rivers State secondary facilities, addressing a data gap critical for health system strengthening in the South South geopolitical zone. Keywords: orthopaedic equipment, health facility assessment, secondary hospitals, surgical capacity, Rivers State.