Nutritional status and functional capacity in elderly people with hip fracture

• The aim was to study nutritional status and functional capacity in elderly men and women admitted to hospital with a hip fractnre, and to evaluate the effect of nutritional intervention and surgical method. A total of 176 patients participated in the study. Of them 84 received protein- and energy-enriched meals at hospital and nutritional advice on discharge and at home. A total of 100 patients with displaced femoral neck fracture were randomised to treatment with either total hip arthroplasty or osteosynthesis with Olmed® screws.The patients were examined and interviewed the first time within 4-6 days after surgery, as well as one and three months aud one year after surgery. The nutritional status was assessed with body mass index, measures of triceps skinfold thickness, estimation of muscle mass and body composition. Serum albumin, insulin-like growth factor-I and hormones were measured. Functional capacity was assessed with the Modified Norton scale, Katz index of ADL and a questionnaire measuring instrumental activities of daily living.Mentally impaired patients had worse nutritional status aud functional condition compared with the lucid group at inclusion, deteriorated more in activity and mobility fimctions and had a higher one-year mortality rate. The nutritional intervention was not powerful enough to have effect on anthropometric or biochemical measurements. The patients treated with total hip arthroplasty had reduced pain, better locomotion ability and a slight weight gain compared with the osteosynthesis group.In conclusion, a marked deterioration of nutritional and functional status was found after a hip fracture. Studies of the effect of a more powerful nutritional intervention on nutritional status and functional capacity in this group are warranted. Patients treated with total hip arthroplasty had a more favourable rehabilitation period with regard to nutritional status and locomotion ability.

Nyckelord

elderly people

functional capacity

hip fractnre

mental impairment

nutritional status

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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vet (ämneskategori)

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