History of the TBS Project.
"Bridging the gap between traditional expertise and modern clinical safety since 2019."
Inception & Engagement
In Ghana, our first formal engagement with Traditional Bone Setters (TBS) was established in January 2019. A strategic group of TBS practitioners were brought together for an initial meeting facilitated by the Regional Director of Health Services in Kumasi.
This inaugural session served as a critical 'ice-breaking' exercise, establishing a baseline of rapport and professional respect. It paved the way for a comprehensive mapping exercise, reaching out to a wider network of TBS through a strategic snowballing methodology.
Consultation & Curriculum
Following the initial engagement, a multi-year phase of stakeholder consultations was initiated. This included high-level dialogues with the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC), among other regulatory bodies.
Academic Architecture
Under the auspices of the AO Alliance Foundation, a multidisciplinary team was constituted to draft a formal training curriculum. This document focused on the basic principles of fracture treatment and the medicolegal implications of traditional practices.
The curriculum was submitted to the TMPC for rigorous review and approval. To deliver this training, a diverse faculty was assembled, including Orthopaedic surgeons, TMPC personnel, public health experts, legal practitioners, and medical researchers.
Localized Training Materials
The development process took approximately two years, focusing on local context and accessibility. Training modules, slides, and physical materials—such as splints—were designed and developed using locally sourced resources.
A key element of this process was the direct collaboration with a veteran TBS from Kumasi, ensuring that the training aids were practical and culturally aligned with existing traditional practices.
Formal Implementation
Actual training commenced in April 2021 in Kumasi, Ghana, starting with an inaugural cohort of 24 TBS practitioners.
Program Structure
- • 4-Day Intensive Residency
- • Pre/Post Knowledge Assessment
- • Practical Exercises & Feedback
Outcome Metrics
- • Referral Pathway Establishment
- • Regional TBS Assoc. Formation
- • Digital Surveillance (WhatsApp)
Impact & Scale
As of January 30th, 2026, we have successfully delivered training to 549 TBS across 10 of the 16 regions of Ghana. Our objective remains to bridge the gap for the estimated 10,000 practitioners nationwide.
Refining the Practice.
Beyond the initial training, we carry out regular practice audits using a standardized checklist and deliver refresher training during field visits. These courses are continuously funded by the AO.
Our reach now extends beyond Ghana; we are collaborating with colleagues in The Gambia, Togo, Ethiopia, and Tanzania in knowledge and resource sharing to improve TBS fracture care across LMICs.
Professional Collaboration
We invite teams and institutions dedicated to orthopedic advancement and TBS engagement to collaborate with us in scaling these interventions across Low-and Middle-Income Countries.