[Allogeneic blood transfusion policy in orthopedic surgery].

Objectives: This retrospective study was performed to evaluate transfusions in orthopedic surgery and, in the light of our successful practice, to contribute to the development of appropriate transfusion policies in Turkey.

Methods: In this study 1,811 female patients who underwent orthopedic elective or emergency surgery from January 1997 to December 1999 (group 1) and from January 2000 to December 2002 (group 2) were retrospectively evaluated with respect to ordered and transfused blood units. Autologous blood transfusions were not included.