Enhancing hip and knee arthroplasty outcomes with immunonutrition: A review of the evidence

Total hip and knee arthroplasty are common surgical procedures aimed at improving mobility and quality of life. Despite surgical advances, postoperative complications remain a concern, particularly for patients with comorbidities and poor nutritional status. Immunonutrition, the targeted administration of nutrients that modulate inflammation, such as arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, has been shown to reduce infections, complications in wound healing, and shorten hospital length of stay. This review examines current evidence on the role of immunonutrition in hip and knee arthroplasty, focusing on the mechanisms of key nutrients, clinical application of supplementation, and areas for future investigation. Despite promising outcomes, further research is needed within orthopedics to establish guidelines for patient screening, nutrient dosage, and timing of administration.