Dislocation and fracture dislocation of hip joints treated by traditional bone setters in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Two patients who sustained respectively dislocation and fracture dislocation of the hip joint as a result of traffic accidents and who initially went to traditional bone setters for treatment are reported. The native and modern orthodox treatment given to them are compared and analysed. It is suggested that certain types of fracture cases should not be managed by traditional bone setters; and that a careful assessment of the practice of traditional bone setting be made before a marriage between orthodox and traditional medicine is advocated.