ObjectiveTo scientifically prove the high number of patients with fractures coming from the
small towns of the State of Ceará treated with surgery by the SUS (the Brazilian
State healthcare system) in Fortaleza.MethodsA transversal, prospective, descriptive study was carried out involving 1694 patients
treated by the SUS in Fortaleza, from August 2006 to March 2007, in four public
hospitals and three private hospitals.Results38.78% of the patients came from small towns, and their ages ranged from 1 to 97 years
old. The majority were single, male adults. The most common mechanism of injury was
traffic accidents, accounting for 30.4% of all the cases. The forearm was the body
segment most operated on, corresponding to 19%.ConclusionsThese results suggest there is a need for preventive measures, such as public traffic
safety awareness campaigns, in order to reduce accidents. We have also verified the
importance of investments aimed at developing the Traumatology Emergency services in the
small towns of Ceará. Level of evidence II, Transversal,
Prospective Study (Lower quality prospective study).