Bone Setters & Haadh Vaidyas: Complications You Must Know by Dr. Kashyap Solanki, Andheri East, Mumbai.

In many parts of India, people still visit traditional bone setters (Haadh Vaidyas) for fractures, sprains, and dislocations. While these practitioners may be locally popular, their methods are often unscientific and unsafe, leading to severe complications.

As an orthopaedic surgeon, I frequently treat patients whose initial injuries became far worse due to such treatments.

Why People Still Choose Bone Setters

• Easy access in rural or semi-urban areas

• Lower immediate cost compared to hospitals

• Long-standing cultural trust

• Fear of surgery and modern medicine

These reasons may seem convincing at first — but the hidden dangers can cause lifelong disability.

Complications Caused by Bone Setters & Haadh Vaidyas

1. Missed or Wrong Diagnosis

Without X-rays or proper assessment, fractures may be mistaken for sprains, and serious injuries like nerve damage, blood vessel injury, or joint dislocation are often missed.

2. Improper Bone Alignment

If a fracture is not reduced (aligned) correctly, it may heal abnormally (malunion) or not heal at all (nonunion). This causes deformity, poor limb function, and chronic pain.

3. Over-Tight Bandages or Splints

Using cloth strips, bamboo sticks, or herbal wraps too tightly can cut off blood circulation, leading to:

• Compartment syndrome

• Nerve damage

• Gangrene (which may require amputation)

4. Infections

Non-sterile techniques and application of herbal pastes directly to open wounds can cause osteomyelitis — a severe bone infection that is difficult and costly to treat.

5. Delayed Hospital Care

Precious treatment time is lost. By the time patients reach a hospital, injuries often require complex surgery instead of simple treatment.

Long-Term Consequences

Patients treated by untrained practitioners may suffer:

• Permanent deformity

• Joint stiffness and arthritis

• Chronic pain

• Limb shortening

• In extreme cases, amputation

Safe & Effective Modern Orthopaedic Care

Fractures and dislocations should be treated by a qualified orthopaedic surgeon who can provide:

• Accurate diagnosis with X-rays or scans

• Sterile and scientific fracture reduction

• Correct immobilization or surgical fixation

• Physiotherapy and guided rehabilitation

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About Dr. Kashyap Prabhu Solanki & Dr. Prabhu Solanki

Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri East, Mumbai

Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.

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