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Pattern And Outcome Of Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Conditions By Traditional Bonesetters In Southwest Nigeria
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Complications of treatment by traditional bonesetters (TBS) of musculoskeletal injuries and diseases are not infrequently seen in modern orthopaedic practice in developing countries. The TBS are still being patronized despite the array of complications arising therefrom. Also they treat musculoskeletal conditions other than fractures.
METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on patients who had earlier been treated by the TBS, using interviewer-administered questionnaire, to identify the types of conditions treated by the TBS and the complications arising there from.
RESULTS: Forty-one patients, mostly Yoruba of South-West Nigeria were studied. Fractures, especially of the femur were the most common conditions treated by the TBS, representing 71% of all conditions. Others include soft tissue injuries 9.8%, chronic osteomyelitis 7.3%, genu valgum 2.4%, and chondroblastoma 2.4%. The most frequently seen complications are nonunion of fractures, 36.6% of all cases as well as lower limb shortening, 29% of all complications. Others are ankylosis, malunion, delayed union, ulcers, contractures and gangrene. The difference in the number of complications and nonunion of fracture rate in the upper and lower limbs are insignificant, p<0.59, p<0.55 respectively.
CONCLUSION: Traditional bonesetters are patronized for musculoskeletal conditions other than injuries. Complications, sometimes severe, result from their treatment. These complications are largely preventable. Suggestions are made about reducing the number and patronage of the TBS and increasing utilization of modern orthopaedic service.
Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(2) 2003: 112-115
METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on patients who had earlier been treated by the TBS, using interviewer-administered questionnaire, to identify the types of conditions treated by the TBS and the complications arising there from.
RESULTS: Forty-one patients, mostly Yoruba of South-West Nigeria were studied. Fractures, especially of the femur were the most common conditions treated by the TBS, representing 71% of all conditions. Others include soft tissue injuries 9.8%, chronic osteomyelitis 7.3%, genu valgum 2.4%, and chondroblastoma 2.4%. The most frequently seen complications are nonunion of fractures, 36.6% of all cases as well as lower limb shortening, 29% of all complications. Others are ankylosis, malunion, delayed union, ulcers, contractures and gangrene. The difference in the number of complications and nonunion of fracture rate in the upper and lower limbs are insignificant, p<0.59, p<0.55 respectively.
CONCLUSION: Traditional bonesetters are patronized for musculoskeletal conditions other than injuries. Complications, sometimes severe, result from their treatment. These complications are largely preventable. Suggestions are made about reducing the number and patronage of the TBS and increasing utilization of modern orthopaedic service.
Nig Jnl Orthopaedics & Trauma Vol.2(2) 2003: 112-115
