Abstract
Introduction
Femoral neck fractures are an increasingly common injury in the elderly. Frequently these patients present taking Clopidogrel, an irreversible inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Although this is associated with an increased risk of intra-operative bleeding and also an increased risk of spinal haematoma where regional anaesthesia is employed, the recent SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network) guidelines recommend that surgery should not be delayed.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients admitted with femoral neck fractures between April 2008 and October 2009. Patients on Clopidogrel were identified and data including ASA grade, time to operation, medical co-morbidities, and post-admission complications were recorded. Comparative information from the National Hip Fracture Database was used.
Results
405 patients were included. 27 patients were taking Clopidogrel on admission and they were mainly ASA 3 or 4. Mean time to theatre was 8 days. Post-admission medical complications occurred in 7 patients (25.9%). A further 4 patients (14.8%) died, 3 of them postoperatively. From the study population a control group of 72 ASA 3 and 4 patients was further studied. The mean time to operation was 2.3 days. Post-admission medical complications occurred in 13 patients (18%) and 8 patients (11%) died postoperatively. In 2009 the national mean time to operation was 2.19 days with an associated mortality rate of 8.67%.
Discussion and Conclusion
Patients receiving Clopidogrel have complex medical co-morbidities and a higher anaesthetic risk. Delaying operative management might be contributing to the increased rate of mortality and morbidity. In accordance with the SIGN guidelines we recommend early operative intervention in these high risk patients.
