[Treatment of fractures by traditional healers in Morocco]

Traditional traumatologists, specialized in the treatment of fractures, practise throughout Morocco. Their original technique is described and its efficiency evaluated through twenty or so cases studied during three years of medical work in the Great South of the country. Theories are propounded to explain the population's preference for these treatments to the detriment of the medical methods, which have a bad reputation. In the present situation, the medical infrastructure is unable to replace the benefits of these bonesetters, neither in quality--with the exception of the main centres-nor, above all, in quantity. Their activities are decentralized, socially integrated and economical for both the population and the state. These considerations lead to the conclusion that their practice should be maintained, improving it if need be.