Integrating Traditional Bone-Setting and Orthopaedic Medicine Practices in the Management of Fractures in Nigeria: Community-Based Rehabilitation Model in Perspective

Abstract

Despite the documented advancements in orthodox medicine, traditional bonesetters (TBS) continue to be well patronised for the management of musculoskeletal injuries in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. However, the practice of traditional bone-setting is often marred by the lack of trust and belief among orthodox healthcare practitioners on the one hand, and the serious post-fracture complications associated with this practice, on the other. The identified downsides have resulted in the stakeholders’ call for the integration of TBS into the national orthodox healthcare services in Nigeria. Despite efforts toward the integration, implementation and realisation remain unfulfilled. One identified potential missing link is the lack of a community-oriented pathway such as the community-based rehabilitation (CBR) model in the previous efforts.

This brief review aims to elucidate the concept of CBR in relation to the proposed integration process. It highlights the need for integration, the notions of the CBR model as well as the conceptual framework for CBR. CBR has been showcased as a globally accepted model which encompasses pragmatic strategies or policies for community managers and stakeholders in a wide range of areas for people in need of essential services. It can be a suitable model for integrative management of fracture cases.