Complications of hip fracture surgery on patients receiving clopidogrel therapy

Introduction Clopidogrel (Plavix ® ) may influence patient safety during fracture surgery. Our study examines the incidence of complications for patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty on clopidogrel therapy. Materials and methods All patients, who underwent hemiarthroplasty between 2005 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were placed in two comparative groups based on the use of clopidogrel antiplatelet therapy. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, ASA score, pre and postoperative hemoglobin, time to surgery, length of stay, bleeding events, transfusions and complications. Comparative statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t test, using P