Abstract

Background/Objectives: To examine Mini-Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-SF) and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002) as prognostic indicators of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, mobility, living arrangements and mortality after hip fracture.

Subjects/Methods: Population-based prospective data were collected on 265 consecutive hip fracture patients aged 65 and over. Nutritional status according to MNA-SF and NRS2002 was assessed on admission. Outcomes were postoperative complications, LOS, readmissions and mortality 1 and 4 months post fracture and changes in mobility level and living arrangements 4 months post fracture.

Results: At baseline, 18 (7%) patients were malnourished and 108 (41%) at risk of malnutrition according to MNA-SF. According to NRS2002, 11 (4%) patients were at severe risk and 56 (21%) patients at moderate risk of malnutrition. Only MNA-SF predicted mortality, LOS and readmissions. Both instruments proved ineffective in predicting changes in mobility level and living arrangements.

Conclusions: MNA-SF is superior to NRS2002 in predicting short-term hip fracture outcomes.