Nutritional Status Impact on Hip Fracture Patients in a Rural Environment

Abstract

(1) Background: Hip fractures are highly prevalent traumatic events with significant functional consequences, particularly among the older population. These fractures are associated with increased mortality, postoperative complications, and functional dependence. Medical and nutritional factors such as malnutrition and sarcopenia are crucial for predicting functional outcomes and mortality in these patients. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status, vitamin D levels, and sarcopenia, as well as their relationship with mortality, mean hospital stay, and 30-day-readmission rate, in patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery in a rural hospital setting. (2) Methods: A longitudinal retrospective study involving 124 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in 2021 was conducted. Sociodemographic, surgical, and nutritional data, including vitamin D, albumin, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, were collected. (3) Results: The average age of the sample was 89.1 years, with a postoperative 30-day-mortality rate of 8.1% and an average hospital stay of 10.4 days. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 79.7% of patients, and a high prevalence of malnutrition was indicated by low albumin and elevated BUN levels. Elevated BUN levels and low vitamin D levels were associated with higher mortality. (4) Conclusions: Adequate nutritional assessment in patients with hip fracture is vital for identifying the risks of complications and mortality. Understanding the current nutritional status and its associated complications will aid in developing strategies to improve health and reduce complications in the future.