By: Brain Akutei-Azu Mateko
Two senior Orthopaedic specialists have warned the public about the dangers of relying on traditional bone-setting practices emphasising that delays in seeking professional care can lead to serious complications, including amputations.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, a Senior Specialist in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge, Dr. Samuel Quarshie Lartey and a Senior Specialist, Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Sunyani Teaching Hospital, Dr. Hanson Ayum Larnyor, shared their experiences on the dangers of delayed medical intervention. They recounted cases where patients faced avoidable complications.
Dr. Samuel Quarshie Lartey highlighted a common misconception among patients, noting that many believe fractures must be tied with bamboo sticks or other traditional methods for proper healing.
“We find ourselves in a part of the world where people strongly believe that broken bones should be tied. Some families even leave the hospital because we are not using traditional methods. They insist that only a local healer can fix the bone”
Dr. Hanson Ayum Larnyor also shared his experience, recounting dramatic cases he once encountered. “We always have these clients coming very late,” he said. “I’ve seen children brought in with rotten limbs because their fractures were treated with harmful traditional methods. Sadly, in such cases, there is nothing we can do but amputate.”
The discussion revealed a common challenge faced by orthopaedic surgeons: patients leaving the hospital for traditional treatment only to return with severe complications.
“Sometimes, after diagnosing the issue, the family will take the patient away, saying they trust a local herbalist more than the hospital. But most of the time, they come back with worsened conditions that are harder and more expensive to treat” Dr. Ayum Larnyor noted.
For his part, Dr. Samuel Quarshie Lartey provided insight into the field of orthopaedics and its vital role in overall health. “Orthopaedics deals with conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. It covers everything from fractures to congenital deformities and arthritis,” he said.
He emphasised that many conditions in children, can be corrected without surgery if treated early. The experts also touched on congenital deformities, such as clubfoot, which are sometimes misunderstood and labeled with myths. “We can detect many deformities during pregnancy with modern scans,” said Dr. Lartey. “Early detection allows us to plan treatment before or immediately after birth…Parents should seek professional help rather than relying on traditional remedies.”
Both doctors concluded by urging the public to trust medical professionals and avoid delays caused by traditional bone-setting practices. They warned that these delays often lead to more complicated and costly treatments. “The best outcomes happen when patients seek help early,” Dr. Larnyor stressed. “It’s not just about saving a limb; it’s about saving a life” he added.
The discussion served as a call to action, reminding the public to prioritize professional medical care for fractures and musculoskeletal conditions and to help dispel harmful myths surrounding bone healing.
