BACKGROUND:In the area of medical emergency services, the incidence of trauma to the lower limbs is growing, and excessive damage may result in incapacity and physical disabilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with lower limb trauma who were treated by the reconstructive surgery team of Hospital Metropolitano de Urgência e Emergência. METHODS:This prospective cohort study included patients with lower limb trauma who were under the care of the reconstructive surgery team. RESULTS:The study mainly included young male road accident victims (primarily motorcycle) with dark complexions who were single and had not completed their elementary education. Ninety percent of the subjects had a paid occupation with a per capita mean monthly income of R$290.76 [122.76 USD]. Sixty-five percent of these subjects were alcohol consumers and 35% were smokers. The majority of the patients came from interior areas of Pará. The most commonly sustained injuries were contused lacerated wounds of the leg with exposure of the underlying structures. The median length of time between the trauma occurrence and surgery was 32.5 days. The principal reasons for postponing surgery included delays in approval for patient assessment by the plastic surgery team and waiting for the wound condition to improve. Reconstruction with flaps was used in 65% of cases with or without grafts, with the most common procedure using reverse-flow sural flaps. A cutaneous graft alone was used in 35% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS:Young, low-income, motorcycle-riding males with poor education levels, dark complexions, and alcohol consuming and smoking habits are the most involved in accidents that cause injuries to the lower limbs and require surgical reconstruction.
Plastic surgery; Lower extremity; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Surgical flaps; Wounds and injuries
