Considerações sobre fixadores externos sob a perspectiva do paciente

Abstract

Introduction: Among the therapeutic measures imposed on fractures, external fixators are frequently used devices, especially in hospitals referenced in trauma. External fixation involves considerable disfigurement of the human body and leads to a degree of disability. There is an inevitable insult to body image and it causes disruption of personal and social relationships and this can lead to withdrawaland depression.Objectives: To evaluate the considerations of patients treating in a hospital referenced of trauma about the use of external fixators.Methods: A qualitative and descriptive study performed at Hospital Universitário Risoleta Tolentino Neves, Belo Horizonte, with 20 patients using external fixators. For the analysis and presentation of the results we used the Collective Subject Discourse, written in the first person singular, composed of key expressions that had the same central ideas and same anchorage.Results: Regarding the function of the external fixators, the patients demonstrated knowledge, displaying as central ideas, their performance as definitive treatment, temporary treatment, use in complex cases, and pain control. Still, as for their impressions about their use, negative considerations were mentioned such as the occurrence of pain and discomfort; references on aesthetic conditions; however, most expressed optimism about the use of the same, showing understanding about its benefit.Conclusion: In spite of the scarce content in the literature that explores the patients' perceptions about the external fixatorswe noticed that the majority has knowledge about the function of the same, manifesting, above all, optimism in relation to its use.