How Not To Fix a Tibial Fracture: A Case Report on Treatment By a Quack

Abstract

Quackery in the orthopaedic profession has existed for quite a long time. Due to the shortage of orthopaedic healthcare staff in public hospitals and the high costs in private facilities, members of disadvantaged communities turn to unlicensed and unskilled practitioners (quacks). The main factors responsible for the increased number of quacks performing orthopaedic treatment are illiteracy, high treatment cost, mismatch in the orthopaedic surgeon-to-population ratio, especially in rural areas, and the absence of any form of health insurance. Moreover, their easy availability and offer of low-cost treatment draw innocent and illiterate patients to them, even though these quacks perform orthopaedic treatment in the most unhygienic, unsterilized, and unconventional manner. The government should intervene and take measures to make orthopaedic treatment more affordable and accessible, especially to the rural population.

Keywords: infections; mismanagement; non-union; quack; tbs (traditional bone setter).

Figure 1. Wound of the patient upon arrival

Erythematous skin with dead necrotic bone with exposed screws can be seen on antero-lateral surface of the tibia. There is also a fracture of the exposed bone.

Figure 2. X-ray image of the patient's right leg on presentation

Figure 3. Intra-operative images after removal of screws under fluoroscopic guidance

Figure 4. Fluoroscopic images after screw removal.