Over 76,000 patients in the UK sustain a proximal femoral fracture. Clopidogrel is currently the world's second best selling drug. There has been much recent controversy surrounding the optimal time for surgical intervention in this medically challenging group of patients. This consecutive series of 1225 patients from our unit over six years included thirty patients concurrently taking clopidogrel whilst sustaining a hip fracture. Our study demonstrated no significant difference in ASA grade, intra-operative blood loss or subsequent transfusion, post-operative wound complication, or mortality to one year in those taking clopidogrel. The authors therefore advocate timely surgical intervention as rapidly as circumstances allow.
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