The short answer
A bone doctor is called an orthopaedic surgeon, spelt orthopedic in American English. Orthopaedic surgeons treat bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and the spine: broken bones, arthritis, sports injuries, back and neck pain, and children's bone and leg problems. Many problems they see are treated without an operation. In Nigeria a specialist orthopaedic surgeon is a registered doctor who has completed years of further training, usually shown by a fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons or the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
Book an orthopaedic surgeonMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
What a bone doctor is called
The medical name is orthopaedic surgeon. British and Nigerian spelling is orthopaedic; American spelling is orthopedic. Both mean the same specialist. You may also hear orthopaedist, or trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, because the same surgeons treat injuries (trauma) and wear and tear.
A traditional bone setter is not a bone doctor. Bone setters have no medical training, cannot see inside the limb without an X-ray, and cannot operate.
What an orthopaedic surgeon treats
- Broken bones (fractures) and dislocations, including bones that healed crooked or never joined
- Knee, hip and shoulder arthritis, including joint replacement
- Sports injuries: torn knee ligaments (ACL), meniscus tears, Achilles tendon rupture
- Back and neck pain, slipped discs and wear of the spine (spondylosis)
- Hand and wrist problems: carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, ganglion
- Foot problems: bunions, heel pain, flat feet
- Children's bone problems: club foot, bow legs and knock knees, limping, hip problems
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis) and problems with plates and screws from earlier surgery
How orthopaedic surgeons are trained in Nigeria
Every doctor who practises in Nigeria must be registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and hold a current practising licence. Registration shows the person is a doctor. A specialist orthopaedic surgeon has gone on to complete residency training in orthopaedics and trauma, in Nigeria usually shown by a fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons, which has a faculty of orthopaedics, or of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
Many orthopaedic surgeons then focus on one area: joint replacement, spine, sports and keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery, hand surgery, children's orthopaedics, or trauma. For a planned operation, ask whether that is the surgeon's main area of work.
Do you need a bone doctor, a GP or a physiotherapist?
For a new backache, a sprain or aching joints, a GP or a physiotherapist is often the right first step, and most of these settle without surgery. See an orthopaedic surgeon when a bone may be broken, when a joint keeps locking or giving way, when pain or stiffness is getting worse despite treatment, when a child's legs or feet look abnormal, or when a doctor has said surgery may be needed.
Go to a hospital now, not a clinic appointment
Some bone problems cannot wait for a booking. Go to a hospital emergency department for:
- A bone poking through the skin, or a limb that is bent or twisted
- A hand or foot that is cold, pale, numb or turning dark, especially under a splint or bandage
- Back pain with numbness around the bottom or genitals, or new trouble passing urine
- A hot, swollen, painful limb or joint with fever, especially in a child or someone with sickle cell disease
Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon on Mezo
You can book an orthopaedic surgeon in person in Lagos, or by video call from anywhere in Nigeria to go through your symptoms, X-rays and MRI reports first. Every doctor's MDCN registration is checked before they can take a booking. If an operation is needed, you get a written all-in price before you agree, and you pay online.
What it costs on Mezo
A single limb fracture with standard implants. Complex and multiple injuries are quoted case by case.
Common questions
What is a bone doctor called?
An orthopaedic surgeon, spelt orthopedic in American English. They treat bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and the spine, with or without surgery.
Is orthopedic the same as orthopaedic?
Yes. Orthopaedic is the British and Nigerian spelling and orthopedic is the American spelling of the same specialty.
Does an orthopaedic surgeon always operate?
No. Many problems are treated with advice, physiotherapy, a splint, a cast, medicines or an injection. Surgery is offered when it is likely to help more than these.
Is a bone setter the same as a bone doctor?
No. A traditional bone setter has no medical training and no X-ray. Tight splints from bone setters are a known cause of gangrene and amputation in Nigeria. See a doctor first.
How do I find an orthopedic doctor in Lagos?
On Mezo you can book an orthopaedic surgeon in Lagos in person, or by video from anywhere in Nigeria. Every doctor's MDCN registration is checked first.
The procedures
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- West African College of Surgeons. West African College of Surgeons. Official publication.
- Broken leg. NHS. Patient information.
- Arthroscopy. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 3 November 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.