Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
04:41

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner

Published on: June 6, 2025

Clopidogrel has no effect on mortality from hip fracture

D R Wordsworth1, T Halsey, R Griffiths

  • 1Trauma and Orthopaedics, East of England Multi-Professional Deanery, Capital Park, Fulbourn, Cambridge, United Kingdom. drwordsworth@doctors.net.uk.

Injury
|January 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Patients taking clopidogrel who sustain hip fractures can undergo timely surgery. This study found no increased risks in blood loss, complications, or mortality for these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Proximal femoral fractures affect over 76,000 UK patients annually.
  • Clopidogrel is a widely used antiplatelet medication.
  • Optimal surgical timing for hip fracture patients on clopidogrel is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the safety and outcomes of timely surgical intervention for hip fracture patients concurrently taking clopidogrel.

Main Methods:

  • A consecutive series of 1225 hip fracture patients over six years.
  • Analysis of 30 patients taking clopidogrel at the time of fracture.
  • Comparison of outcomes including ASA grade, blood loss, transfusion, wound complications, and one-year mortality.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in ASA grade, intra-operative blood loss, or transfusion requirements.
  • Post-operative wound complications and one-year mortality showed no significant difference between groups.
  • Patients on clopidogrel experienced similar outcomes to those not on the medication.

Conclusions:

  • Timely surgical intervention is safe for hip fracture patients taking clopidogrel.
  • Delaying surgery for these patients is not supported by the study findings.
  • Prompt surgical management should be considered regardless of clopidogrel use.

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