Paper short abstract:

Traditional Bone Setting (TBS), a socio-cultural practice which provides treatment for Musculo-Skeletal Conditions. Studies on TBS attribute adverse treatment outcomes to TBS. This study found that TBS possesses health systems potentials for a viable source of care in resource-constrained settings.

Paper long abstract:

Traditional Bone Setting (TBS) provides more than 70% of treatment for Musculo-Skeletal Conditions (MSCs) in developing countries. Studies have adopted bio-medical approaches in evaluating TBS treatment outcomes. Like other cultural heritage, TBS performs functional roles in today's Africa, which contributes to its persistence. The potentials and prospects of TBS have, however, not been accorded adequate scholarly attention. This paper explores the potentials of TBS in a resource-constrained clime where most of the global MSCs burden are located. Conducted among the Nupe of Nigeria, the study adopted Parsons' theory of the social as theoretical anchor. The study investigated rural health systems, patients' subjective experiences and processes associated with utilizing healthcare for MSCs within an African socio-cultural context. Qualitative methods were adopted in eliciting data from TBS practitioners, patients and primary healthcare workers. Data was content-analyzed and verbatim quotations were used to support themes in the study objectives. Findings revealed that TBS possessed potentials for the production and delivery of quality orthopaedic care towards meeting the SDGs, while contributing to foreign earnings in Africa. Stake factors were identified for the revamping of TBS and its repositioning for occupying the vacuum in orthopaedic healthcare resources in Africa. It was recommended that TBS be explored with a view to consolidating existing feat. Intensified research, capacity building and collaboration with modern orthopaedic practitioners were recommended as strategic approaches.