Background: Fracture of bone is a persistent problem encountered in orthopedic practice. The management of fracture bone depends on reduction and immobility at the fracture site.  The traditional bone setters   formulate their own methods and practices for the management of fractures. An observation was made on this traditional indigenous procedure with an aim to bring out the various outcomes and possible reasons for their patronage in society.

Methods: Present study was conducted   with some kind of prior treatment received from TBS. The detailed history was collected about age, sex, socioeconomic condition, education, habit and habitats from each patient. Each case was subjected to detailed clinical andradiological examinations to evaluate the outcomes of the interventions of TBSs.  

Results: One hundred and twenty patients in the age group of (1 – 60) years were included in the study out of which 82 (68%) are male and 38 (32%) are females.40% belong to age group of 30 -45 years and 47% are of literate and fair socio economic status. Malunion is the predominant form of presentation with 54 cases (46%) followed by non union in 24 (20%) cases.  33 cases (28%) presented with impending ischemia at initial stages of treatment. Only 8 cases (6%) were presented with chronic osteomylitis and infected nonunion. Eventually 13 cases were ended with gangrene and amputation. Cost of surgery was the major cause (42%) followed by fear of surgery (23%) was observed for non acceptance of modern orthopedic system.

Conclusion: The results in our study vindicate the fact that TBS play a major role in providing health care to the fracture patients. Lack of basic knowledge and aversion to referral system by TBS is responsible for complications. So creating public awareness and integrating TBS in the healthcare system through proper training and due legislation seems to be the apt solution to combat this menace.

Keywords: Traditional Bone Setters, chronic osteomylitis, Malunion and nonunion.

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Niharika Padhy*

Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy

K. C. G. Medical College Berhampur 760004, Odisha India

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