English

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 setup. Study Design: Descriptive case series. Place and Duration of Study: District HeadquarterHospital (DHQ) Temargarah & Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar and, Ghurki Trust TeachingHospital, Lahore from Dec 2014 to Nov 2015. Material and Methods: Patients of either genderor 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 oftrauma followed by treatment by local bonesetters were included in our study. After properhistory, examinations and investigations, appropriate treatment were given and complicationswere noted. Results: We received a total of 267 patients who were treated by Traditional bonesetters.186 were males and 81 were females. Age ranges from 1.5 years to 87 years. In majorityAdvice or pressure from family/friends taking the lead. 77(28.84%) of patients suffer because offamily 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 mostfrequent complication we received was malunion were found in 67(25.10%) and non-union in55(20.60%), Conclusion: Pressure from friends and family was the main reason for consultingTraditional Bone Setters for treatment in our set up and complications caused by their treatmentwere frequent and ranged from immediate compartment syndrome and gangrene of the limb tolate onset mal union, non-union and avascular non-union.