Protocol · Orthopedic/Bone Health
Hip Fracture Recovery Support Protocol
Vitamin D, Calcium and Protein are the core of this stack, with 3 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Hip Fracture Recovery Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (higher if deficient) | Essential for bone healing; most hip fracture patients are deficient | Not graded yet | ||
| Calcium | Amount listed: 1,200 mg daily (diet + supplement) | Essential for bone mineralization and healing | Not graded yet | ||
| Protein | Amount listed: 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day total protein | Critical for muscle mass preservation and wound healing | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin K2 | Amount listed: 100–200 mcg MK-7 daily | Directs calcium to bones; supports osteocalcin function | Not graded yet | ||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Important for bone metabolism; often deficient in elderly | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Supports wound healing and bone formation | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Hip Fracture. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Hip fractures are serious injuries that typically require surgery and have significant impact on mobility and independence, especially in older adults.
FACTS:
- Most occur in people over 65
- Often result from falls + weakened bones (osteoporosis)
- Require surgical repair
- Recovery takes months
- Risk of complications is significant
NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES:
- Pre-existing malnutrition common
- Poor appetite after surgery
- Increased protein needs for healing
- Most patients have vitamin D deficiency
- Muscle loss (sarcopenia) accelerates during recovery
CRITICAL: Hip fracture requires surgical treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE for recovery.
RECOVERY PRIORITIES:
- Surgery (usually within 24-48 hours)
- Early mobilization
- Physical therapy
- Prevent complications (DVT, infection, delirium)
- Optimize nutrition
- Prevent future fractures (osteoporosis treatment)
PREVENTING FUTURE FRACTURES:
- Osteoporosis medications if indicated
- Fall prevention measures
- Exercise/physical therapy
- Home safety modifications
Vitamin D and calcium* are essential for bone healing.
Protein intake* is critical - most patients don't get enough.
Multidisciplinary care* optimizes outcomes.
Expected timeline: Surgical healing 6-12 weeks. Full recovery 6-12 months. Many never return to pre-fracture function.