In this article by Prof Tom Wainwright and colleagues, the dietary habits of older patients with end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip before undergoing hip replacement surgery is examined. The study, published in the journal Nutrients reveals that most patients do not meet the recommended protein and energy intake levels and generally have poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

The study emphasises the importance of diet in preoperative care, suggesting that better dietary habits could enhance surgical outcomes and recovery, and highlights the need for further research to establish clear dietary guidelines for patients facing surgery.