EPIDEMIOLOGY OF OPEN FRACTURES AND DEGREE OF SATISFACTION OF INITIAL CARE

ABSTRACT Introduction: Open fractures, although uncommon, with trauma have costs that exceed all other reasons for hospitalizations. Its epidemiology has fundamental importance to plan treatment and define priorities. Objective: To assess prospectively the epidemiological profile of open fractures and the degree of satisfaction with initial care. Methods: Epidemiological, prospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out in a convenience sample of open fractures. Quantitative, qualitative, and epidemiological aspects regarding open fractures were evaluated, as well as the degree of satisfaction with the initial care. Results: 124 patients treated with 155 open fractures. 88% were male; mean age 43 years (± 42.99); non-white (56.72%); married (52.41%); low level of education (51.60%); farmer, self-employed, bricklayer, industrialist (51.60%); with monthly earnings of up to 2 minimum wages (87%); healthy (76.13%); victims of labor accidents (39.51%) in bones of the hands (58.02%); 55% on the left side; attended between Thursday to Saturday (50%); work shift 6 a.m.-6 p.m. (77%). There was high level of satisfaction with the initial care provided (98%). Conclusion: Open fractures were related to healthy men, 43 years old, low education and low income, predominant in upper limbs, at 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Thursday to Saturday. Most were satisfied with the service provided. Level of Evidence II, Epidemiological, prospective, descriptive, observational study.