Protein Supplementation for Hip Fracture Recovery in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures experience significant mobility impairment and increased mortality.
• Nutritional status is critical for recovery, but optimal supplementation strategies remain under investigation.
• Protein supplementation is a potential intervention to mitigate negative outcomes post-fracture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of a creatine- and HMB-enriched protein supplement in elderly patients post-proximal femoral fracture.
• To evaluate improvements in mobility recovery, nutritional markers, mortality, and postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving elderly patients (≥ 60 years) with proximal femoral fractures.
• Participants received either a protein supplement or a maltodextrin placebo daily for one month.
• Primary outcome: mobility recovery (Parker Mobility Score) at 1 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes: nutritional markers, mortality, and complications.

Main Results:

• The protein supplement group showed significantly improved mobility at 1 month (P < 0.001) but not at 6 months.
• Albumin normalization was accelerated in the supplement group, though not statistically significant after adjustment (adjusted P=0.219).
• A lower 6-month mortality rate was observed in the intervention group (HR 4.5; P=0.034), with similar complication rates between groups.

Conclusions:

• Creatine- and HMB-enriched protein supplementation enhances early mobility and accelerates albumin normalization in elderly hip fracture patients.
• The supplement was associated with reduced 6-month mortality without increasing postoperative complications.
• This nutritional intervention shows promise for improving recovery outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.