Amputation surgeries due to external causes performed in public hospitals in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Objective: In order to characterize the profile of lower limb amputation surgeries by external cause, performed in public hospitals in the state of Santa Catarina. Method: This descriptive, epidemiological and hospital based study analyzed hospital admissionpermits (AIH) (N= 4158) in between 2008-2014. Results: There has been a prevalence of male population (79,1%), age group between 18 and 29 years (17,7%). The most incident form of amputation was by partial or complete traumatic injury with involvement of a finger. The three most affected counties were Chapecó, Criciúma and Brusque. There has been a decrease in the number of amputations mainly in the last four years. Conclusion: Despite this fact, amputations are a globally recognized public health problem. Epidemiological follow-up the AIH´s translates as an indicator to monitor and trigger improvement actions of specialized assistance to amputated patients with a view to prevention, organization of services, and training of multi professional teams.