Bonesetting

Bonesetting is a traditional practice that involves diagnosing and treating injuries to the musculoskeletal system, particularly fractures and joint dislocations, through manual manipulation, reduction of dislocations, and immobilization. It is distinct from modern orthopedic surgery and is found in many cultures around the world, often carried out by non-physician practitioners.

Practitioners typically perform manipulative procedures to realign bones, followed by immobilization using splints, bands, or wraps. Some also use massage, traditional remedies, or local splinting materials. Timing and technique are thought to influence outcomes. Improper reduction or poor immobilization can lead to complications such as malunion, nerve or blood vessel injury, or infection.

Training is usually through apprenticeship or family lineage rather than formal medical education. In many regions, bone-setters are respected traditional healers; some have formed associations or integrated with modern medical systems by collaborating with physicians or training in conventional techniques.

In the modern medical landscape, bone-setting intersects with orthopedics and physical medicine. Some practitioners work within hospitals or clinics, while others continue as independent traditional healers. Regulation and licensing vary by country; some places provide formal recognition or risk-based regulation, while in others it remains unregulated.

Scholarly assessment emphasizes the need for evidence-based practices and patient safety. While bone-setting can provide accessible care in resource-limited settings, it carries risks if sterile technique, proper indication, and post-reduction care are not observed. Collaborative models aim to combine traditional expertise with contemporary standards.