Changes in Resting Metabolic Rate Following Orthopedic Surgery

Surgery produces a catabolic response in the body that shifts metabolism from glucose to fat and protein. Despite no studies examining ACLR, studies of other orthopedic surgeries demonstrate increased postoperative energy expenditure, as well as a shift to beta-oxidation. Additionally, in most patients, these changes reverted to baseline within six weeks, although a subset of patients did not return to baseline until beyond 12 weeks.

This project will improve our understanding of magnitude and duration of RMR changes following orthopedic surgery, and the subsequent perioperative dietary suggestions that should be made to improve patient outcomes. Currently, postoperative dietary suggestions are not surgery nor patient specific. Determining how orthopedic surgery effects RMR will help to personalize perioperative treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Better understanding the change in RMR following orthopedic surgery and implementing more accurate dietary modifications will help to ensure positive outcomes and control of infection following orthopedic surgery.