Indigenous Medical Knowledge and Bone Setting among the Igbo of Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the indigenous healthcare practice in Southeast Nigeria and how this can be integrated into modern healthcare system using bone setting as a case study. Traditional bone setting continues to enjoy wide patronage despite the availability of modern orthopaedic medicine in the treatment of bone injuries. The paper studies the basic therapeutic methods adopted in bones setting and how these can be integrated into modern health practice in Ogboji and Owerre Eze Orba communities. Indepth interview and direct observation were used to elicit information from the research subjects, comprising the bone setters, patients and members of the communities. Research results reveal that people see bone setters as effective way of addressing orthopaedic challenges and a great number of patients seek their attention before going to modern practitioners, if the need be. It is seen to be relatively cheaper, the primary raw materials used are adjudged not to have side effects and amputation is rarely recommended. The study argues that there is need for synergy between traditional bone setters and orthodox orthopaedic practitioners for enhanced bone health care.