Nutrition and Supplements in Orthopedic Care

Vitamin D and calcium are well known to be necessary for building and maintaining bone strength and preserving skeletal health across all ages. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are highly prevalent among fracture patients. As well, there is uncertainty and a lack of consensus in the use and dosing of vitamin D and calcium supplementation. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are highly prevalent among fracture patients. Vitamin D deficiency is endemic worldwide in all subsets of orthopedic patients, and osteoporosis is commonly found in those patients with fractures. Orthopedic patients who are obese may be at a higher risk of both general medical and fracture‐related complications. Patients with a higher body mass index have typically reported a greater number of complications for important outcomes, including serious adverse events and revision surgery. Effective management of malnutrition requires collaboration among multiple clinical disciplines including physicians, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists. The chapter provides recommendations for implementing evidence‐based practice in the clinical setting.