The Effect of Zinc Management on Patients with Femoral Hip Fractures

Hip fractures, especially femoral neck fractures, significantly burden healthcare systems with prolonged hospital stays (LOS) and high complication rates. This study examined the effects of zinc supplementation on LOS, nutritional recovery, and complications in patients undergoing surgery for femoral neck fractures. A retrospective cohort analysis compared outcomes between zinc-supplemented and non- supplemented groups. Zinc supplementation significantly increased serum zinc levels but did not directly impact LOS or complication rates. However, improved serum albumin (ΔAlb) was strongly associated with reduced LOS, emphasizing the importance of nutritional recovery. Complications, particularly infections, remained a significant determinant of prolonged LOS. These findings suggest that while zinc supplementation enhances biochemical parameters, its clinical benefits require further exploration within holistic postoperative care strategies. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials to validate zinc’s role in enhancing recovery outcomes.