Loss of Muscle Mass and Strength After Hip Fracture: an Intervention Target for Nutrition Supplementation

To summarize what is known about the deleterious effect of hip fracture on muscle mass and strength as well as the scientific evidence for post-surgical nutrition supplementation to maintain muscle and improve function. This review provides a discussion of the relationship between muscle mass, strength, and physical function following hip fracture, briefly describes the approaches to measuring lean mass, discusses prevalence of sarcopenia and malnutrition among older men and women with hip fracture, and reviews the effects of essential amino acids on muscle. Loss of muscle mass and strength following hip fracture is substantial with consequences for recovery of functional independence. EAA-based nutrition supplementation, which directly effects muscle, has potential to improve outcomes.