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Peri-operative nutrition in femoral neck fracture arthroplasty: a pragmatic framework to mitigate dual-hit catabolism and improve outcomes

Muhango L, Geldenhuys DB, Elebo N, Mukiibi W, Sikhauli N, Pietrzak JRT

Orthopedic reviews, 2026

Abstract

Femoral neck fracture patients represent one of the most metabolically vulnerable populations undergoing total hip arthroplasty, with malnutrition prevalence frequently exceeding 40-50%. - Acute trauma, enforced fasting, inflammation and comorbidity amplify the surgical stress response, accelerating protein catabolism, immune dysfunction and muscle loss. - Malnutrition in femoral neck fracture patients is independently associated with increased mortality, infection, prolonged hospital stay, delayed mobilisation and institutionalisation. - Unlike elective arthroplasty, opportunities for pre-operative optimisation are limited, making early identification and aggressive peri-operative nutritional support critical. - A phase-specific nutritional framework-focused on rapid screening, intra-operative metabolic protection and early post-operative feeding-offers a pragmatic, low-cost strategy to improve outcomes, particularly in LMIC settings.

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