MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES BY BONE SETTERS

Objective: To highlight, evaluate and analyze the complications associated with the treatment of fractures, joint dislocations andlimb deformities by bone setters in a suburban population of district Kasoor. Study Design: Prospective descriptive study. Setting: This studywas 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 totreatment of their musculoskeletal injuries by bone setters. Results: Eighty six patients with complications associated with previous treatmentby 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 ofeighty six patients, 15(17.4 %) patients had non union, 21 (24.4%) had malunion, 9 (10.4%) had avascular necrosis, 15(17.4%) had chronicosteomyelitis, 4(4.6%) patients had gangrene, 8(9.3%) had contractures, 2(2.3%) had persistent dislocations, 4 (4.6%) had Leg ulcers and8(9.3%) had wound infections. The major reasons for going to bone setters were the perceived low cost of treatment (45%), pressure and advicefrom the elders and friends (38%), fear of surgery (5%) and assumption of faster healing by the bone setters (12%).The methods used by thebone setters include splintage, bandage, plaster, stretching, massage and suturing. Conclusions: Bone setters create very difficult problemsfor orthopaedic surgeons. Many patients develop complications and loose their limbs due to inappropriate treatments. Awareness programesregarding inadequate treatment given by bone setters are necessary and their Patronization should be discouraged to avoid these types ofcomplications.