Left Upper Limb Loss In A Neonate From Gangrene Secondary To Treatment Of Birth Injury By Traditional Bone Setters (TBS).

Abstract

Background: Complications arising from treatment of musculoskeletal injuries by traditional bone setters (TBS) are a constant threat to limbs in our environment. Gangrene of usually a part of a limb is one such complications that is not uncommon. However gangrene involving a whole limb in a neonate due to treatment of birth injury by traditional bone setters is not common. Case Report: A 4 week old female neonate presented to our emergency room with gangrene of the whole of the left upper limb that resulted from treatment of a birth injury by traditional bone setters. She subsequently had an open left shoulder disarticulation after initial resuscitation. She did very well post-operatively and had secondary wound closure four weeks after initial surgery. She was discharged home after 33 days on admission. Conclusion: This is another case of maiming at the very beginning of life due to the activities of unscrupulous traditional bone setters. The need to curtail their activities and punish defaulters cannot be overemphasised.