Disastrous Effects of Fracture Treatment by Traditional Bone Setters

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the complications seen in patients previously treated by traditional bone setters (TBS).

Study Design: Prospective descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery Peoples University of Medical & Health Sciences, Nawabshah from January 2017 to December 2017.

Materials and Methods: Total number of 50 cases of either sex initially treated by traditional bone setters reported at this hospital in emergency and OPD were included in this study. All the data was collected on a performa designed for the study.

Results: Total number of 50 patients were included in this study only 6(12%) patients got good results in the form of fracture union in satisfactory position and functional range of movements of involved joints, while remaining 44(88%) patients were suffering from complications. 15(30%) of patients out of 44 patients had mal-union, 7(14%) of patients had non-union, 4(8%) developed gangrene, 6(12%) patients reported compartment syndrome, 4(8%) patients had cellulitis, 3(6%) patients had infection, 2(4%) patients developed Volkmann’s ischemic contracture and remaining number of patients developed stiffness of different joints.

Conclusion: To avoid such complications of traditional bone setters, it is important that their patronization should be discouraged.