Outcome of treatment of the mismanaged pediatric elbow trauma: A series of 73 cases

Abstract

Purpose. To analyze the outcome of the management of pediatric elbow trauma referred to our hospital after initial intervention by traditional bone setters.

Method. Retrospective study of 73 patients, presenting to the hospital with a complication attributable to the initial mismanagement of their injuries.

Results. The mode of presentation was directly related to the type of initial intervention on the basis of which we were able to quantify bone setters into two groups. The first group using a rather rough method of trauma treatment involving the application of tight local bandages, massage and manipulation and a second group having a relatively less rough approach, applying splints to the injured extremity without tight bandages and manipulation. The result of treatment of these injuries was determined by the delay in presentation and the type of injury.

Conclusion. This study highlights the importance of dealing with the unchecked and unsupervised practice of bone setting in the developing world. We believe that training these people on the pattern of traditional birth attendants can at the very least lower the occurrence, if not entirely eliminate the problem of mismanaged trauma in this part of the world.

Keywords:

• Traditional bone setters
• supracondylar fractures
• mismanaged trauma