Complications of the traditional treatment of closed trauma of the limbs in children

Authors

  • Guindo Oumar Department of pediatric surgery of the academic hospital Gabriel Touré, Bamako
  • Coulibaly Y
  • Amadou I
  • Arrat FM
  • Coulibaly MB
  • Coulibaly O
  • Kouyaté M
  • Kamaté B
  • Djiré MK
  • Doumbia A
  • Koné O

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46831/jpas.v2i2.161

Keywords:

Complications, Traditional treatment, Blunt limb trauma, Child, Mali

Abstract

Background: This study aims to describe the complications arising from traditional medicine following blunt trauma to the limbs in the Pediatric Surgery Department of the Academic Hospital Gabriel Touré (Mali).

Methods: This prospective and descriptive study spanned 25 months, conducted from January 1, 2020, through February 28, 2022. It included all children aged 0-15 years treated for complications of traditional blunt limb trauma in the service.

Results: During the study period, 82 complicated cases resulting from the traditional treatment of blunt limb trauma were recorded. The average patient age was 7.01 years (4 months - 15 years) with a sex ratio of 2.03. Parents of patients were uneducated in 43.9% of cases. Domestic accidents caused 69.5% of trauma cases, with the forearm being the most affected segment in 28.0% of cases. Parents' beliefs motivated the choice of traditional treatment in 54.9% of patients. Localized massaging of traumatized limbs was performed on 97.6% of patients, and 15.0% were treated by their parents. The average time for hospital visits was 111 days (3 days to 2 years). The most common complications were osteitis (25.6%), subcutaneous abscess (23.2%), and skin necrosis (13.4%). Management primarily involved abscess drainage. Morbidity was 28%, with a mortality of 6.1%. Long-term complications included limb deformity.

Conclusion: Despite the legalization of traditional medicine, implementing strategies for information, awareness, and education of the population through media and places of worship should minimize complications resulting from the traditional treatment of blunt limb trauma.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506096.

Warman PL, Ismiarto YD, Ruhimat U. Complications of fracture treatment by traditional bonesetters in West Java, Indonesia. AMJ. 2018; 5:47–52.

Ossai EN, Ofejebe OL, Ede DO, Diala LP, Ogbonnaya LU. Willingness to patronize traditional bone setters among patients attending general out-patient department of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria. Austin Orthop. 2018; 3:1-7.

Ngaroua D, Djibrilla Y, Oumarou B, Dah’Ngwa D, Eloundou NJ. Utilization of traditional healers’ services for the management of fractures in the town of Ngaoundere, Cameroon. Health Sci Dis. 2018; 19:104-7.

Ali R, Tunio ZH, Ali SM, Baloch RA, Jakhio MF, Maher IK. Traditional bone setters practices even in the 21st century. J Liaquat Uni Med Health Sci. 2020; 19:247-51.

Thanni LO. Factors influencing patronage of traditional bone setters. West Afr J Med. 2000;19:220–4.

Dada AA, Yinusa W, Giwa SO. Review of the practice of traditional bone setting in Nigeria. Afr Health Sci. 2011;11:262–5.

Mensah E, Tidjani IF, Chigblo P, Lawson E, Ndeffo K, Hans-Moevi Akué A. Epidemiological and lesional aspects of complications of traditional treatment of limb fractures in Parakou (Benin). Rev Chir Orthopédique Traumatol. 2017; 103:330-4. [French]

Adendjingue DM, Mouassede M, Madjirebaye K, Salia O, Amené-Né DO. Complications of traditional treatments for limb trauma at Le Bon Samaritain University Hospital in Walia (N’Djamena, Chad). Med Trop Santé Int. 2022; 2: 214. [French]

Alam W, Shah FA, Ahmed A, Ahmad S, Shah A. Traditional bones; Frequency of complications with traditional framework treatment. Professional Med J. 2016; 23:699-704.

Adami AM, Ngaringuem O, Abakar MN, Bogol J, Choua O. Limb amputations linked to traditional treatment of children's fractures at the Mother and Child Hospital in N'djamena Chad. Rev Sci Du Tchad. 2017; 1: 73-80. [French]

Souna BS, Danhaoua AM. Surgery for the after-effects of traditional treatment of limb fractures (About 61 patients operated on in Niamey), Department of Orthopedics-Traumatology, Lamordé National Hospital, Niamey, Niger. Rev Maroc Chir Orthop Traumato. 2007; 31:40-5. [French]

Lamah L, Handy D, Bah ML, Onivogui D, Keita K, Sidime S, et al. Complications of traditional treatment of fractures: epidemiological and clinical aspects. Rev Afr Chir ET Special. 2013; 7:31-5. [French]

Odatuwa-Omagbemi DO, Adiki TO, Elachi CI. Complications of traditional bone setters (TBS) treatment of musculoskeletal injuries: Experience in a private setting in Warri, South-South Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J. 2018; 30:1-8.

Tékpa BJD, Ngongang OGF, Keīta K, Alumeti D, Sané AD, Diemé CB, et al. Limb gangrene following traditional treatment of fractures with a bamboo splint in children at the Kaolack regional hospital (Senegal). Bull Société Pathol Exot. 2013;106:100–3. [French]

Published

2024-04-23

How to Cite

1.
Oumar G, Y C, I A, FM A, MB C, O C, M K, B K, MK D, A D, O K. Complications of the traditional treatment of closed trauma of the limbs in children . J Pediatr Adolesc Surg [Internet]. 2024Apr.23 [cited 2025Feb.12];2(2). Available from: http://jpedas.org/ojs/index.php/jpedas/article/view/161
Share |