Anti-platelet drugs in patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing cemented hip hemiarthroplasty surgery. A study of complications and mortality

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess complications and factors predicting one-year mortality in patients on anti-platelet agents presenting with femoral neck fractures undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty surgery. Material and methodsA review was made on 50 patients on preoperative anti-platelet agents and 83 patients without preoperative anti-platelet agents. Patients in both groups were treated with cemented hip hemiarthroplasty. A statistical comparison was performed using epidemiological data, comorbidities, mental state, complications and mortality. There was no lost to follow-up. ResultsThe one-year mortality was 20.3%. In patients without preoperative anti-platelet agents it was 14.4% and in patients with preoperative anti-platelet agents was 30%. Age, ASA grade, number of comorbidities and anti-platelet agent therapy were predictors of one-year mortality.The one-year mortality of patients on clopidogrel was 46.1%, versus 24.3% in patients on acetylsalicylic acid. ConclusionPatients with preoperative anti-platelet therapy were older and had greater number of comorbidities, ASA grade, delayed surgery, and a longer length of stay than patients without anti-platelet therapy. The one-year mortality was higher in patients with preoperative anti-platelet therapy.