Importance of hospital food intake for early discharge after total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is widely used to treat hip osteoarthritis (HOA), particularly in elderly patients. However, the associated costs and complications highlight the need for strategies to shorten hospital stays and optimise postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative nutritional status and postoperative dietary intake on the discharge outcomes of patients with unilateral HOA who underwent THA.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 57 patients without significant comorbidities out of 172 THA procedures performed by the same surgeon was conducted. Propensity score matching was used to compare the early discharge group (n = 14), discharged within 2 weeks, with the delayed discharge group (n = 14), hospitalised for longer. The assessed factors included preoperative Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) scores, postoperative dietary intake (staple foods and side dishes), and complications.

Results: Preoperative malnutrition, as assessed using the CONUT score, showed no significant difference between the groups. The early discharge group exhibited a higher intake of staple foods (rich in carbohydrates) in the early postoperative phase than the delayed discharge group, potentially influencing earlier discharge. No significant difference was observed in side dish intake between the two groups. The incidence of complications did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion: Higher intake of staple foods in the early postoperative period may positively impact metabolic demands and wound healing, suggesting the importance of dietary strategies in postoperative rehabilitation. Ensuring adequate hospital meal consumption and implementing effective dietary guidance and education are crucial for optimising recovery and reducing hospital stay. This study highlights that postoperative feeding strategies, especially staple food intake, may have a positive impact on early discharge in THA patients. Future studies should explore the benefits of long-term nutritional interventions and the role of continuous dietary education in enhancing postoperative recovery.