Profile and costs associated with the use of osteosynthesis materials in victims of traffic accidents

Background/Aims Facial trauma arising from traffic accidents is one of the most prevalent injuries in urban trauma centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, types, and costs associated with osteosynthesis material used in facial fractures of traffic accident victims seen at the Hospital da Restauracao, Recife/PE, Brazil, from January to December 2014. Materials and methods Data were collected from the medical records of hospitalized patients submitted to surgery under general anesthesia for the treatment of facial fractures during the period. The data were analyzed descriptively by calculating absolute frequencies, percentages, and means. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.21.0. Results Among the patients, 73.1% were victims of motorcycle accidents that led to higher costs as they were the most prevalent injuries. Mandibular fractures were the most prevalent injury (53.5%). A total of 477 osteosynthesis materials were used, of which 76.51% were a 2.0-mm plate system, 15.51% were a 1.5-mm plate system, 3.14% were a 2.4-mm plate system, 3.77% titanium meshes, 0.83% lag screws, and 0.2% steel wires. The use of these materials for the treatment of facial fractures resulted in a cost of US $51.285,00 for the Brazilian public health system. Conclusion The increase in the number of traffic accidents implies significant numbers of victims with facial fractures, as well as considerable costs associated with the use of osteosynthesis materials for public health services.