Despite the historical marginalization of traditional health practitioners in both South Africa and New Zealand, traditional medicine practices are still thriving. Many countries have made great efforts to advance traditional medicine practices by regulating, researching and integrating its products, practitioners and practice into health systems, while improving access to and the rational use of traditional medicines. The comparison of traditional practices between the two countries would give us an affirmation in the absence of clinical trials from which we may recommend strategies and ideas for the improvement of health systems. Additionally, we would be able to identify plant species used as herbal medicines for the treatment of fractures on two continents. A survey was conducted among herbalists (Izinyanga) practising Zulu traditional medicine in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Māori practitioners who are experts in medicine and healing (Tohunga-Rongoā), in the North Island of New Zealand. Data was collected by a survey and a moderator with a single focus group of three traditional health practitioners, resulting in qualitative research on their practices between October 2018 and September 2019. An analysis of findings was conducted to affirm similarities and differences in traditional health practices on two continents. Except for a few differences in demographics, the traditional management of fractures by traditional health practitioners in South Africa and New Zealand were largely similar. Practitioners in both countries identified fractures following taking a history of the trauma and conducting a physical examination when a patient presents with open fractures (visibly broken bones), acute pain, inflammation and bleeding. In both countries, traditional health practitioners do not seem to practice traditional bone-setting any longer, though they continue to use a wide range of traditional medicines (mostly derived from plants, with a few animal products) to manage bruises, wounds, dislocations, sprains, strains and fractures. The topical treatment of traditional medicines from several known plant families was preferred in New Zealand, whereas in South Africa oral treatment options were preferred. In total, 74 traditional medicines from 26 plant families with presumed fracture-healing activity were identified in this study. The chemical compositions and biological activities of the plant families Rubiaceae (Pentanisia prunelloides in South Africa and Coprosma robusta in New Zealand) and Xanthorrhoeaceae (Aloe ferox in South Africa and Phormium tenax in New Zealand), found on both continents, are recommended to be studied further. Traditional health practitioners are aware of the serious impact that fractures could have on a patient, and while traditional remedies do assist in healing, they are open to using Western medicines for analgesia and as anti-inflammatories should their patients choose this treatment option. Furthermore, they often referred patients to hospitals for a more accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment which shows that there is already integration and collaboration between traditional health practitioners and biomedically-trained health professionals in the management of fractures. Traditional health practitioners believed that an interventional tool for the treatment/management of fractures would be beneficial in their practices in traditional settings.

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