Nutritional Considerations in Geriatric Orthopedics

Purpose of Review: Malnourished patients are at risk for fragility fractures resulting in postoperative ​complications, increased mortality, and decreased functional status after geriatric orthopedic surgeries. Nutritional status of the older patient can be determined by various screening tools. We aim to review recent literature on nutritional status in preoperative and postoperative evaluations and determine its implications for geriatric orthopedic surgery patients. Recent Findings: Malnutrition has been associated with increased orthopedic surgery complications. An individualized nutrition screening and treatment plan can reduce these complications and prevent future fragility fractures. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory cytokine that may be useful in the prediction of mortality and nutritional status of the patient; however, further research is necessary. Summary: A nutritional screening tool can be utilized to determine at-risk individuals. Nutrition should ​be optimized prior to undergoing an orthopedic procedure, and an interdisciplinary team approach is recommended.