Traditional Bone Setters in Nigeria
Traditional bone setters in Nigeria are practitioners of indigenous orthopedic medicine who specialize in the treatment of fractures, dislocations, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries using traditional methods transmitted through family lineages and apprenticeship systems. Traditional bone setting remains a component of healthcare practice in Nigeria and continues to be utilized in both rural and urban communities alongside modern orthopedic services.[1]Traditional bone setters are often consulted due to factors such as accessibility, cultural acceptance, perceived affordability, and proximity to local communities. Their practices typically include manual manipulation of injured limbs, splinting using locally available materials, application of herbal preparations, massage, and, in some contexts, spiritual or cultural rituals depending on local traditions.. Although traditional bone setters remain part of healthcare-seeking behavior in Nigeria, their practices have been the subject of discussion among healthcare professionals. Studies have reported both successful outcomes and complications associated with traditional bone setting, including malunion, non-union, infections, limb deformities, and, in some cases, limb amputation. Efforts have also been made in some settings to encourage collaboration between traditional bone setters and formal healthcare systems with the aim of improving patient safety and treatment outcomes.[2][3]
Historical Background
Traditional bone setting has a long history in Nigeria and predates the introduction of Western medicine. The practice developed within indigenous healthcare systems in which families and communities relied on traditional practitioners for the treatment of injuries resulting from farming, hunting, warfare, and other daily activities. Knowledge and techniques have commonly been transmitted through family lineages and apprenticeship systems.The continued use of traditional bone setters reflects the role of indigenous medical practices within Nigerian society. Despite the expansion of modern healthcare services, traditional bone setters continue to be consulted in many communities.[4][5][6]
Methods and Practices
Traditional bone setters employ a variety of treatment methods that differ across ethnic groups and regions. Common practices include manual reduction of fractures and dislocations, application of herbal preparations, massage, and splinting using materials such as bamboo, wood, cloth, or other locally available resources, as well as periodic adjustment of immobilized limbs.In some communities, treatment may also involve spiritual rituals, prayers, or consultations intended to support healing and recovery. The duration of treatment varies depending on the nature and severity of the injury.[7][8][9]
Uterlization and Cultural Significance
Traditional bone setters continue to treat a proportion of patients with musculoskeletal injuries in Nigeria. Factors associated with their use include lower treatment costs, geographical accessibility, cultural familiarity, and public perceptions regarding the effectiveness of traditional methods.Researchers have noted that traditional bone setters often function as trusted members of their communities and are frequently consulted by some patients before seeking treatment from hospitals or orthopedic specialists.[2]
Complications and Medical Concerns
Medical professionals have documented complications associated with traditional bone setting practices. Reported complications include malunion, non-union, chronic osteomyelitis, gangrene, compartment syndrome, joint stiffness, limb deformities, and amputations associated with fracture management.Studies conducted in Nigerian hospitals have reported that a proportion of orthopedic complications are observed among patients who initially received treatment from traditional bone setters before presenting at healthcare facilities.[10][11]
Collaboration with Modern Healthcare
== Efforts to improve fracture care in Nigeria have included initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration between traditional bone setters and formal healthcare providers. Some researchers have proposed training programs focused on fracture recognition, referral systems, infection prevention practices, and patient safety among traditional practitioners.Public health experts have suggested that integrating traditional bone setters into broader healthcare systems may help reduce complications while preserving culturally accepted forms of healthcare. Discussions continue regarding regulation, training standards, and the extent of formal collaboration between traditional and biomedical practitioners.[12]
Reference
- ↑ Dada, A. A.; Yinusa, W.; Giwa, S. O. (2011-06). "Review of the practice of traditional bone setting in Nigeria". African Health Sciences. 11 (2): 262–265. ISSN 1729-0503. PMC 3158503. PMID 21857859. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ 2.0 2.1 OlaOlorun, D.; Oladiran, I.; Adeniran, A (2001-12-01). "Complications of fracture treatment by traditional bonesetters in southwest Nigeria". Family Practice. 18 (6): 635–637. doi:10.1093/fampra/18.6.635. ISSN 0263-2136.
- ↑ Ossai, Edmund Ndudi; Ezenwosu, Ifeyinwa Lilian; Okoro, Kelechukwu Anthony; Eze, Irene Ifeyinwa; Agu, Chibuike (2024-12-03). "Predictors of willingness to patronize traditional bone setters: a cross-sectional study among heads of households in Abakaliki Metropolis, Southeast Nigeria". The Pan African Medical Journal. 49 (106). doi:10.11604/pamj.2024.49.106.36444. ISSN 1937-8688.
- ↑ Oyebola, D. D. (1980-04). "Yoruba traditional bonesetters: the practice of orthopaedics in a primitive setting in Nigeria". The Journal of Trauma. 20 (4): 312–322. ISSN 0022-5282. PMID 7365837. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ Mbada, Chidozie Emmanuel; Ojoawo, Adesola Ojo; Owoola, Sherif Olawale; Okonji, Adaobi Margaret; Odetunde, Marufat Oluyemisi; Adigwe, Kenneth Chukwuweike; Makinde, Moses Oluwatosin; Adegbemigun, Oluwafemi David; Fasuyi, Francis Oluwafunso (2019-12-06). Knowledge and Attitude about the Practice of Traditional Bone Setters and Its Use for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Rural Areas in Nigeria (Report). Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies. pp. e99973.
- ↑ Nwachukwu, Benedict U.; Okwesili, Ikechukwu C.; Harris, Mitchel B.; Katz, Jeffrey N. "Traditional Bonesetters and Contemporary Orthopaedic Fracture Care in a Developing Nation: Historical Aspects, Contemporary Status and Future Directions". doi:10.2174/1874325001105010020.
- ↑ Nwachukwu, Benedict U.; Okwesili, Ikechukwu C.; Harris, Mitchel B.; Katz, Jeffrey N. "Traditional Bonesetters and Contemporary Orthopaedic Fracture Care in a Developing Nation: Historical Aspects, Contemporary Status and Future Directions". doi:10.2174/1874325001105010020.
- ↑ Nwachukwu, Benedict U.; Okwesili, Ikechukwu C.; Harris, Mitchel B.; Katz, Jeffrey N. (2011-01-07). "Traditional bonesetters and contemporary orthopaedic fracture care in a developing nation: historical aspects, contemporary status and future directions". The Open Orthopaedics Journal. 5: 20–26. doi:10.2174/1874325001105010020. ISSN 1874-3250. PMC 3027080. PMID 21270953.
- ↑ Bassey, Rosemary B.; Aquaisua, Aquaisua N.; Edagha, Innocent A.; Peters, Aniekan I.; Bassey, Eno-obong I. (2009-12-31). "The Practice Of Traditional Bone Setting In The South- South Region Of Nigeria". The Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine. 8 (2). Archived from the original on 2025-04-29.
- ↑ OlaOlorun, D. A.; Oladiran, I. O.; Adeniran, A. (2001-12). "Complications of fracture treatment by traditional bonesetters in southwest Nigeria". Family Practice. 18 (6): 635–637. doi:10.1093/fampra/18.6.635. ISSN 0263-2136. PMID 11739353. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ Alonge, T O; Dongo, A E; Nottidge, T E; Omololu, A B; Ogunlade, S O (2004-01-01). "Traditional bonesetters in south western Nigeria--friends or foes". West African journal of medicine. 23 (1): 81–84. doi:10.4314/wajm.v23i1.28091. ISSN 0189-160X. PMID 15171536.
- ↑ Onuminya, John E. (2006-04). "Performance of a trained traditional bonesetter in primary fracture care". South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde. 96 (4): 320–322. ISSN 0256-9574. PMID 16670805. Check date values in:
|date=(help)
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