Complications of Musculoskeletal Injuries Treated by  Traditional Bonesetters in a Developing Country

Ndubuisi Onu C Onyemaechi; Okey Onwuasoigwe; Okechukwu E Nwankwo; Alexander Schuh; Sunday O Popoola

Volume : IV, Issue : III, March - 2014

Complications of Musculoskeletal Injuries Treated by Traditional Bonesetters in a Developing Country

Ndubuisi Onu C Onyemaechi , Okey Onwuasoigwe , Okechukwu E Nwankwo, Alexander Schuh, Sunday O Popoola

Abstract :

Introduction: Traditional bone setting is a well recognized and age long practice in Nigeria. This treatment often leads to severe complications. Aim of this study is to evaluate the complications seen in patients previously treated by traditional bonesetters (TBS) and to assess the reasons for the patronage and the factors that predispose to these complications. Materials and methods: This was a one–year prospective study involving 72 consecutive patients presenting with complications related to treatment of their musculoskeletal injuries by bonesetters. The data obtained using observer–administered questionnaires include: demography, details of initial injury, reasons for patronage of TBS, method of treatment by TBS, duration of the treatment, the mode of treatment, the number of TBS visited and the complications at presentation. Data were analyzed by SPSS (Version 17), P value < 0.05 was significant. Results: One hundred and eight complications from 93 musculoskeletal injuries were seen in 72 patients; 50 (69.4%) were male and 22 (30.6%) were female. The age range was 3 – 80 years (mean 36.8 years). The commonest complications were joint stiffness 29 (26.9%) and malunion 17 (15.7%). The major reasons for TBS patronage were advice of relatives and friends 25 (34.7%) and cheaper cost in 24 (33.3%) patients. The use of local splints was the commonest method of treatment, and the average duration of treatment was 94.5 days. Conclusion: TBS treatment is associated with severe complications. There was a significant association between the complications and the methods of treatment. Training and licensing of bonesetters may help to control this menace.