The objective of this study was to describe characteristics in a group of elderly men and women with hip fracture, regarding presumed risk factors, such as nutritional state and functional capacity. A total of 142 men and women aged 75 years or more were consecutively included on admittance to the hospital. Anthropometry and body composition were measured 4-6 days after the fracture. Data on functional status, activities of daily living and living arrangements at the time of the fracture were collected. The women and men had a body mass index (BMI) of 22.3 ▒ 3.7 kg/m2 and 21.7 ▒ 2.1 kg/m2, respectively. Of the whole group, 71% had a BMI < 24 kg/m2 and 25% a BMI < 20.0 kg/m2. Forty-five percent of the patients needed daily home help, and a majority of them were mentally impaired (p < 0.0001). Women with a trochanteric hip fracture were shorter, had lower body weight, lower lean body mass and lower arm muscle circumference (AMC) than the cervical fracture group (p < 0.05). Fewer women with a trochanteric fracture and fewer women with mental impairment took walks outside before the fracture, (p = 0.023 and p = 0.002, respectively). Characteristics found in the group were low BMI, low muscle mass as indicated by low lean body mass and mental impairment. It seems important to evaluate such factors when developing post-operative care plans aimed at avoiding further deterioration. Extra frail sub-groups of patients, such as people who are mentally impaired, women with trochanteric fracture and women with high dependency concerning ADL functions were identified.

The objective of this prospective study was to analyze the role of mental impairment on nutritional status and functional capacity after hip fracture. Fifty-seven women aged 75 years or older, acutely admitted to a university hospital with a hip fracture, were consecutively included. Nutritional status with anthropometry and body composition, functional condition and activities of daily living (ADL) were collected 4-6 days and 3 months after surgery. Both lucid and mentally impaired women deteriorated in nutritional status in the postoperative period owing to loss of fat and muscle mass. In the mentally impaired group there was a 50% greater loss of body weight (not significant), causing underweight, mean body mass index 19.5 +/- 3.0 kg m-2, whereas body mass index remained normal in the lucid group, 21.3 +/- 3.0 kg m-2. Ability for activity, mobility and continence deteriorated significantly, whereas food and fluid intake remained unchanged in the mentally impaired group. Mental impairment is a major risk indicator for loss of functional capacities after an acute hip fracture. The development of malnutrition and underweight is explained by the lower pre-fracture body weight, giving little margin for the further post-fracture weight loss in this group. Actions to preserve preoperative ability regarding activity, mobility and continence among mentally impaired women seem warranted. A special caring programme directed towards the special needs of this high-risk group might increase their well-being and ability to continue living in their own homes.

Background & Aims: The aim of this study of women with hip fracture was to describe nutritional status with biochemical markers and anthropometric variables, and to evaluate the effect of nutritional intervention with the intention of increasing protein and energy intake.

Methods: The first consecutive 44 women were included, and used as controls. The next 44 were matched for age, fracture and mental state. Anthropometric variables, IGF-I, hormones and serum albumin were collected 4–6 days (baseline), 1 and 3 months after surgery. Twenty-four women filled out a 7-day food record.

Results: At baseline, one fourth had BMI <20 kg/m²and subnormal triceps skinfold thickness. Baseline serum albumin, IGF-I and growth hormone levels were low, probably as an acute response to trauma. Women with BMI <20 kg/m²had lower IGF-I levels compared to those with higher BMI. At 3 months, one-third of both groups were protein and energy malnourished. The intervention group obtained higher daily energy percentage from fat but none of the groups reached their calculated energy need.

Conclusions: Using biochemical markers in the acute postoperative situation to assess nutritional status is not recommended. The intervention had no impact on anthropometric or biochemical variables.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different surgical methods on nutritional status and functional capacity during the first postoperative year in patients with displaced femoral neck fractures. A further aim was to evaluate the effect of nutritional support. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or osteosynthesis. Half of the patients in each treatment group received protein- and energy-enriched food in the hospital in addition to individual nutritional advice in order to optimize their intake of protein- and energy-rich food. Nutritional state and functional capacity were examined at baseline, one and three months, and one year after the operation. Pain was examined at three months and one year. The effect of nutritional intervention was equal within both surgical groups. Logistic regression showed that the dependent variable "living at one year" was significantly associated with serum albumin levels at one month. Advanced age, mental impairment and deteriorated nutritional status were predominant in the non-survivors. Overall, the primary THA group performed better compared with the osteosynthesis group concerning weight change over time, locomotion and pain. This study also showed that primary THA could safely be performed in the elderly without an increased postoperative mortality rate.