Patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) have 4.7-fold and 4.4-fold increased risks of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, respectively, during their first 2 postoperative weeks, according to a Danish study. The authors added that outpatient antiplatelet drug use lowered 6-week hazard ratios for ischemic stroke by 70% in THR patients, but the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was unaffected by use of these medications.

Abstract: Stroke, December 2012.