MEDIUM AND HIGH COMPLEXITY ORTHOPEDIC SURGERIES IN THE BRAZILIAN PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM (SUS)

Abstract

The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) plays a crucial role in providing medium- and high-complexity orthopedic surgeries, such as osteosyntheses, spine surgeries, and prosthesis implantation. This article analyzes the national scenario of these procedures, highlighting major challenges related to access, hospital infrastructure, and the distribution of specialized professionals. The study adopts a qualitative approach, based on a bibliographic review and analysis of official data from the Ministry of Health, considering aspects such as unmet demand and regional inequalities. The findings indicate that, despite advances through incentive programs, structural and organizational barriers persist. It concludes that expanding installed capacity, decentralizing services, and integrating rehabilitation strategies are  essenctial to ensure comprenhensive care.