EPIDEMIOLOGY OF FEMUR FRACTURES IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL FROM 2013 TO 2023

Abstract

Objectives: to analyze the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations for femur fractures in the elderly in the southern region of Brazil, highlighting prevalence, evolution and determining factors in order to support public policies and health strategies. Materials and Methods: this is a retrospective quantitative descriptive study based on the analysis of secondary data from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), made available by the Department of Informatics of the SUS (DATASUS). Results: Between 2013 and 2023, 243.17 fractures per 100,000 elderly people were reported in the South, with a prevalence in RS (42.32%), then PR (37.18%) and SC (20.50%). The number of hospitalizations increased according to age group and there were more hospitalizations (2.4 times) and deaths (2.02 times) in women. The mortality rate was 5.21%, with over 70% in elderly people aged 80 or over. The average length of stay was 7.6 in the southern region, with an average cost of 2,838.14 reais per hospitalization. Conclusion: Femur fractures are prevalent in the southern region of Brazil, with a higher incidence in Rio Grande do Sul, in women and in elderly people aged 80 and over. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a better prevention and rehabilitation program for the elderly due to the progressive increase in reports of femur fractures in the elderly in southern Brazil.