MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES BY BONE SETTERS

Abstract

Objective: To highlight, evaluate and analyze the complications associated with the treatment of fractures, joint dislocations and
limb deformities by bone setters in a suburban population of district Kasoor. Study Design: Prospective descriptive study. Setting: This study
was conducted at the Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Central Park. Medical College based at Bhatti International Teaching Hospital,
Kasoor. Methods: This was a six month prospective study involving eighty six (86) consecutive patients presenting with complications related to
treatment of their musculoskeletal injuries by bone setters. Results: Eighty six patients with complications associated with previous treatment
by bone setters were seen 62.7 (%) were male while 37.2 (%) were female. The age range from 4 months to 76 years (mean 34 years). Out of
eighty six patients, 15(17.4 %) patients had non union, 21 (24.4%) had malunion, 9 (10.4%) had avascular necrosis, 15(17.4%) had chronic
osteomyelitis, 4(4.6%) patients had gangrene, 8(9.3%) had contractures, 2(2.3%) had persistent dislocations, 4 (4.6%) had Leg ulcers and
8(9.3%) had wound infections. The major reasons for going to bone setters were the perceived low cost of treatment (45%), pressure and advice
from the elders and friends (38%), fear of surgery (5%) and assumption of faster healing by the bone setters (12%).The methods used by the
bone setters include splintage, bandage, plaster, stretching, massage and suturing. Conclusions: Bone setters create very difficult problems
for orthopaedic surgeons. Many patients develop complications and loose their limbs due to inappropriate treatments. Awareness programes
regarding inadequate treatment given by bone setters are necessary and their Patronization should be discouraged to avoid these types of
complications.