The impact of foot and ankle injuries on social security

Abstract

Objective: To determine number and evolution of sickness benefits granted to ICD-10 S90-S99 groups (Injuries to the ankle and foot). Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out from 2009 to 2013 assessed the amount of sickness benefits granted by Brazilian Social Security System (INSS) for individuals diagnosed with ICD-10 S90 to S99. Results: A total of 11,628.289 sickness benefits were granted over the period studied. In the same period, 520.027 sickness benefits were given for individuals diagnosed with ICD-10 S90-S99, therefore, representing 4.47% of the total, an estimated cost of R$734 million. Fractures were responsible for more than half of sickness benefits given followed by sprains and strains. Conclusion: There was progressive increase in number of sickness benefits given by INSS. It was not possible to determine the reason of these variables, but perhaps they are related with the increase in formal jobs in Brazil over the last years. Foot and ankle trauma was a common cause of disability, which represented an important reason to give sickness benefit, mainly among those who had suffered an accident.