The Practice Of Traditional Bone Setting In The South- South Region Of Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Modern day healthcare has greatly evolved following advances in technology and medical research. But despite the availability of these services, traditional bone setting has continued as a most sought after ‘alternative’ health service, especially in developing countries.This study therefore was carried out to investigate the practice of traditional bone setting in the Southsouth region of Nigeria. Design: Some popular traditional bone setters (TBS) were interviewed using a questionnaire designed to evaluate information such as the age, level of education, years of experience, mode of acquisition of skills, types of fractures treated, method of fracture treatment, types of complications and number of death recorded, class of people who come for treatment, mode of referrals to and from hospitals, assistance needed to improve their practice and ways to improve cooperation between TBS and orthodox practitioners. Result: The practice of TBS in Southern Nigeria seems have evolved and the TBS are inculcating modern methods into their practice.Conclusion: Revitalising the existing precious science of traditional bone setting would be a cost-effective alternative for the costly "state of the art" techniques of surgical reduction, heavy Plaster of Paris plasters and long periods of immobilisation.