Complications of Fracture Treatment by Traditional Bone Setters in Wolaita Sodo, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Majority of the population in developing countries use traditional medicine due to the fact that the majority reside in rural areas where modern health service is relatively inaccessible and expensive.

Methods: Prospective hospital based cross sectional survey was conducted in Wolaita Sodo to assess complications of fractures treatment by traditional bone setters admitted at Sodo Christian Teaching Hospital (SCGH), Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. All patients with fractures presented to SCGH during the period from March – August 2012 were included in the study.

Results: Among patients exhibited complications during their first visit for fracture treatment at emergency unit in the hospital 70 (56.91%) had a history of having fracture treatment by TBS. Out of which 37 patients (52.87%) had stiffness of joint, 6 patients (8.57%) developed infection, 6 patients (8.57%) had mal union, 4 patients (5.71%) had lengthening discrepancy, 4 patients (5.71%) had nonunion, 4 patients (5.71%) had Volkman's ischemic contracture, 3 patients (4.29%) developed gangrene, 3 patient (4.29%) had swelling, 1 patient (1.43%) had nerve injury, 1 patient’s (1.43%) case resulted in delayed union and 1(1.43%) resulted in instability. Multivariate analysis indicated the presence of significant association between treatment of fractures by TBS and falling accident with complications.

Conclusion: Treatment of fractures by TBS and falling accident were found associated with complication. However, the majority believe in the importance of the role of TBS in treating fracture.

Key words: Traditional Bone Setters, Fracture Treatment, Complication