Hip Fracture Recovery Support Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceEssential for bone healing; most hip fracture patients are deficient
Supporting Studies (1)
Essential for bone mineralization and healing
Supporting Studies (1)
Critical for muscle mass preservation and wound healing
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsDirects calcium to bones; supports osteocalcin function
Supporting Studies (1)
Important for bone metabolism; often deficient in elderly
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports wound healing and bone formation
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Hip fractures are serious injuries that typically require surgery and have significant impact on mobility and independence, especially in older adults.
FACTS:
NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES:
CRITICAL: Hip fracture requires surgical treatment and comprehensive rehabilitation. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE for recovery.
RECOVERY PRIORITIES:
PREVENTING FUTURE FRACTURES:
* 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.
Clinical Perspective
Hip Fracture: Major cause of morbidity/mortality in elderly. 1-year mortality 20-30%. Types: femoral neck, intertrochanteric, subtrochanteric. Surgery within 24-48h improves outcomes. Most patients have osteoporosis and/or vitamin D deficiency.
CRITICAL: Surgery + early mobilization + multimodal care. Nutrition often neglected but impacts outcomes - most patients malnourished. Protein supplementation reduces complications. Vitamin D deficiency nearly universal - replete. Osteoporosis treatment after fracture mandatory. Falls prevention essential. Supplements support healing; don't replace comprehensive care.
* Vitamin D (A-grade): Bone healing. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 28750270). 2000-4000 IU daily.
* Calcium (A-grade): Bone mineralization. Guidelines: (PMID: 28332116). 1200mg daily.
* Protein (A-grade): Healing/muscle. Systematic review: (PMID: 28698222). 1.2-1.5g/kg/day.
* Vitamin K2 (B-grade): Bone metabolism. Systematic review: (PMID: 26770449). 100-200mcg MK-7 daily.
* Magnesium (B-grade): Bone/muscle. Meta-analysis: (PMID: 28445426). 300-400mg daily.
* Zinc (C-grade): Wound healing. Systematic review: (PMID: 26845419). 15-30mg daily.
Assessment targets: Functional recovery, bone healing, nutritional status, secondary fracture prevention.
Protocol notes: Surgery timing: within 24-48h if medically stable. Early mobility: up day 1 post-op if possible. Delirium prevention: common complication; address pain, hydration, sleep. DVT prophylaxis: standard post-op. Protein: often inadequate; oral supplements help; aim 1.2-1.5g/kg. Vitamin D: check level; aggressive repletion if deficient (50,000 IU weekly x 8-12 weeks). Osteoporosis: bisphosphonates, denosumab after fracture; often under-treated. Falls: home assessment, PT, address medications that increase fall risk. Geriatric co-management: improves outcomes in hip fracture care.