Hip fractures are a major cause of hospitalization among the elderly, and constitute a considerable social and economic burden. The current mortality rate one year after hip fracture is over 33%, the risk of death is greatest 4 to 6 months after fracture. The objective of this study was to use anthropometric methods and physiological energy-expenditure values to assess changes in body composition during hospitalization, in elderly patients admitted for fractures of the proximal femur. A prospective study was performed using a consecutive sequence of 45 patients with diagnosed hip fracture. In all cases, direct measurements and indirect estimate-based anthropometric evaluation were performed in the first 24 hours following admission, and again one week after admission. By one week after admission, there was a decrease in mean arm girth (0.73 cm, p=0.0052) and in triceps fold thickness (1.41 mm, p=0.0181), but not in the other variables tested. Anthropometric evaluation as a means of charting body composition, in conjunction with the indirect estimates suggested here, may help to determine nutritional status and calorie requirements in elderly patients.
Anthropometry; hip injuries; Body Weights and Measures
