Abstract
Fractures of the proximal femur in elderly patients are commonly caused by falls and are often a major cause for hospital bed admission, morbidity, and mortality. Patients are often severely malnourished before they fracture and a systemic inflammatory process occurs at time of injury. A second inflammatory response occurs when fracture fixation is required. Patients may spend long periods in hospital or rehabilitation centers following surgery, and nutritional interventions may benefit these patients. This article outlines those inflammatory processes following the initial proximal femur fracture in the elderly patient, and then during the subsequent surgery. Finally, the article outlines nutritional consideration that may benefit outcome in elderly patients after fracture and surgical repair.