[Utilization of physiotherapy services for traumatic disorders of the lower extremity in ambulatory care].

Introduction: Limited information is available on physiotherapy treatment of lower extremity injuries.

Aim: The purpose of this study included analysis of the utilization of outpatient physiotherapy services in case of injuries of the lower extremity.

Method: Data derived from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration, Hungary. The number of cases undergoing physiotherapy activities after lower extremity injuries were determined.

Results: In 2009 the average number of cases undergoing physiotherapy activities following lower extremity injuries per 10,000 persons were the following: "hip and thigh injuries" 249.75 male cases and 443.7 female cases; "knee and leg injuries" 927.64 male cases and 668.25 female cases, and "ankle and foot injuries" 307.58 male cases and 245.75 female cases.

Conclusions: According to this study, the number of physiotherapy activities for patients with injuries of the lower extremity showed significant differences between genders.