Fractures are the most common large-organ, traumatic injuries in humans, which can lead to complications, disability and/or deformity. The prompt identification and treatment of fractures is critical for improved outcomes and to avoid long term complications, morbidity or even mortality. However, the treatment of fractures by traditional health practitioners in South Africa and New Zealand is not well known. One of the objectives of this study was to determine the types of fractures identified and diagnosed by traditional health practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and the North Island (New Zealand). A survey was conducted among herbalists (Izinyanga) in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa and Māori practitioners who are experts in medicine and healing (Tohunga-Rongoā) in the North Island of New Zealand, between October 2018 and September 2019. In addition, a single focus group, with a moderator and three (3) traditional health practitioners, was held in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa in the same study data collection period resulting in qualitative research based on their traditional practices to treat fractures. Most of the South African respondents were males (14/26, 53.8%), aged between 51-60 years (8/26, 30.8%) and spoke Isizulu as a first language (24/26, 92.3%). They practiced mainly as Herbalists or Izinyanga (22/26, 84.6%). In New Zealand, there were similar respondents who were male and female (6/12, 50%). They were aged between 31-40 years old (5/12, 41.7%) and spoke English as a first language (7/12, 58.3%). They practiced only as Tohunga-Rongoā or Māori practitioners (12/12, 100%). Overall, 44 responses were received by 38 respondents for the most common criteria to diagnose fractures. 21 out of 44 responses indicated that acute pain at the site of injury was the most common criterion to diagnose fractures. Most of the respondents (19/38; 50%) treated all types of fractures presented to them, with limb fractures being the most common site of fractures treated (15/38; 39.5%). Traditional health practitioners in this study were aware of the delicate nature of fractures and their potential life-threatening effect which prompted them to refer their patients to biomedically-trained health care professionals for an accurate diagnosis to be made. Traditional health practitioners in South Africa and New Zealand identified fractures when a patient presented with acute pain, inflammation bleeding, visibly broken bones and/or immobility. Even though they managed almost all types of fractures presented to them, limb fractures were the most common site of fractures treated. Further studies are needed to investigate future collaboration between traditional health practitioners and biomedically-trained health care professionals for the diagnosis and treatment of fractures.

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