A STUDY ON COMPLICATIONS SEEN IN MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES TREATED BY TRADITIONAL BONE SETTERS

Abstract

Traditional bone setters (TBS) remain a common source of care for musculoskeletal injuries in rural and semi-urban parts of India, despite lacking formal medical training and standardized techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the types and frequencies of complications arising from injuries initially managed by TBS and to explore the socio-demographic characteristics and motivations of the affected patients. Conducted as a cross-sectional observational study at a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka , the research included 49 patients who presented with complications following TBS intervention. Data were collected using a structured clinical proforma and analyzed for injury patterns, anatomical sites involved, types of complications, reasons for TBS patronage, and definitive treatment modalities employed upon hospital admission. The findings revealed that malunion was the most common complication (36.7%), followed by delayed union (12.2%), nonunion (10.2%), and neglected dislocations (10.2%). Additional complications such as compartment syndrome, chronic osteomyelitis, joint stiffness, and soft tissue infections were also documented. Fear of surgery (28.57%) and affordability (22.4%) were the leading reasons for choosing traditional care, often compounded by limited education and economic hardship. The study concludes that complications resulting from TBS practices are largely preventable and impose a significant burden on tertiary care resources. Public health efforts must prioritize awareness, early orthopedic referral, and structured collaboration with TBS practitioners. Integrating community health workers and culturally sensitive education can improve outcomes and reduce morbidity associated with traditional fracture care.