TRADITIONAL BONESETTERS

FREQUENCY OF COMPLICATIONS WITH TREATMENT BY TRADITIONAL BONESETTER

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the reasons for treatment by Traditional Bone Setters
(TBS) and the frequency of complications in patients treated by traditional bone setters in our set
up. Study Design: Descriptive case series. Place and Duration of Study: District Headquarter
Hospital (DHQ) Temargarah & Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar and, Ghurki Trust Teaching
Hospital, Lahore from Dec 2014 to Nov 2015. Material and Methods: Patients of either gender
or all ages received in outpatient department or accident and emergency of DHQ Temargarah,
Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar and Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore with history of
trauma followed by treatment by local bonesetters were included in our study. After proper
history, examinations and investigations, appropriate treatment were given and complications
were noted. Results: We received a total of 267 patients who were treated by Traditional bone
setters.186 were males and 81 were females. Age ranges from 1.5 years to 87 years. In majority
Advice or pressure from family/friends taking the lead. 77(28.84%) of patients suffer because of
family or friends. 66(24.72%) of patients affected because of socio cultural beliefs, 46(17.23%)
because of low cost, 35(13.11%) because of ignorance, 24(8.98%) because of fear of operation,
19(7.12%) because of fear of amputation took their treatment from bone setters. The most
frequent complication we received was malunion were found in 67(25.10%) and non-union in
55(20.60%), Conclusion: Pressure from friends and family was the main reason for consulting
Traditional Bone Setters for treatment in our set up and complications caused by their treatment
were frequent and ranged from immediate compartment syndrome and gangrene of the limb to
late onset mal union, non-union and avascular non-union.