A Review of Factors Influencing Patronage of Traditional Bone Setters (TBS) in Nigeria

The paper reviews the factors influencing patronage of traditional bone setters (TBS) by bone fracture patients, despite the services of modern orthopaedic surgeons (MOS) and well-equipped medical orthopaedic centers in Nigeria. Major causes of bone fractures in Nigeria include: road traffic accident, road side fall, workplace fall, fall at home, fall from heights, gun-short injury, assault, sports, etc. Categories of bone fractures include: closed fractures, open fractures, joint injuries, soft tissue injuries, bone infections, spine injuries, etc. Socio-cultural factors such as education, level of income, residence, exorbitant medical charges, pressure/advice from family and friends, fear of amputation, strikes in hospitals, delayed attention, lack of ambulance services and essential amenities in rural areas, general attitude of medical health workers and cultural belief in supernatural causes of accidents, etc. influence the patronage of traditional bone setters (TBS) in Nigeria. Appropriate government policies, regular training, education and sensitization of TBS, public enlightenment on benefits and complications associated with the practice, as well as accessible and affordable medical orthopaedic services are recommended to improve service delivery and reduce the complications in traditional bone setting in Nigeria.

Keywords: Bone fracture patients, Traditional Bone Setters (TBS), Modern Orthopaedic Surgeons (MOS), Patronage.