An unusual complication of the traditional treatment of a closed fracture - generalized tetanus: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Tetanus is a severe infectious disease that can lead to death. The clinical manifestations are due to an exotoxin secreted by Clostridium tetani, a spore-producing Gram-positive bacillus. The penetration of the germ is made through a skin opening, independently of the size of the wound.


CASE PRESENTATION
A 13-year-old black African boy of the Bantu ethnic group with unknown tetanus vaccination status presented to our pediatric emergency room for the management of chest and vertebral pains which started a few days after traditional treatment by scarification and herbal and leaf ointment. The treatment was initiated by a traditional healer and indicated for a closed fracture of our patient's left forearm sustained during a fight. The diagnosis of generalized tetanus was made on the basis of generalized contractures with opisthotonus, trismus, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Despite prompt intensive care management, he died a few hours after admission.


CONCLUSION
This case emphasizes the permanent threat of tetanus in our environment especially after cultural and traditional acts like scarification that in this specific case was for a therapeutic purpose.
['Tchuenkam|Landry W|LW|', 'Ndame|Emmanuel K|EK|', 'Guifo|Marc L|ML|', 'Danwang|Celestin|C|', 'Kalla|Ginette C|GC|', 'Essomba|Arthur|A|']
D000293:Adolescent D000890:Anti-Infective Agents D017809:Fatal Outcome D005596:Fractures, Closed D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008795:Metronidazole D013742:Tetanus
Fracture Tetanus Traditional healer Forearm