Malnutrition is often associated with the advanced age and can be influenced by physical, mental, social and environmental changes. Hip fracture is a major issue and a prior poor nutritional status is associated with higher rates of perioperative complications and prolonged hospital length of stay.

Prospective observational cohort study performed in a Level one trauma center including 189 consecutive patients admitted for hip fracture. The main outcome measure was the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), a specific tool validated for geriatric population. This questionnaire was performed at admission by an independent assessor, at the same time as a large set of demographic and functional data. Blood samples were tested for blood count and albuminemia. Two groups were constituted and analysed according to a MNA score ≥ 24 (lower limit for normal nutritional status). Factors explored included physical and mental items. Impact of malnutrition was determined on hospital length of stay (HLS), discharge in an adverse location than prior to admission (DAL), complications and mortality rate.

The rate of patients with malnutrition (or at risk) in this study is 47% (88 patients). Patients with a MNA < 24 are older (84.81 yrs ± 7.75 vs 80.41 ± 8.11, p<0,01), have more comorbidities (Charlson 2.8 ± 2.21 vs 1.67 ± 3.10, p<0,01), a more impaired mental (MMSE 19.39±8.55 vs 25.6±3.6, p<0,01) or physical status (MIF 105.3 ± 26.6 vs 121.8 ± 6.4, p< 0,01). Blood samples are not selective to detect malnutrition (p=0,64). Malnutrition is associated with a longer HLS (26.04±23.39 days vs 13.95±11.34 days, p<0,01), a greater DAL (58.9% vs 38.2%, p=0,02) and a higher one year mortality rate (23.9% vs 8.9 %, p<0,01).

The prevalence of malnutrition in a geriatric population admitted for hip fracture is high. Blood samples at admission have clearly a poor value and a systematic screening with the MNA is mandatory. An early diagnosis will target specific interventions to reduce the physical and socio-economic impact of the malnutrition. Future studies should focus on actions in the perioperative stage (fast-track surgery, nutritional protocols, analgesia) and their impact on the socio-economic burden.