Protein target
The intended total protein target is approximately 1.6 to 2.0 g/kg/day, ideally beginning 1 to 2 weeks before surgery and continuing for at least 2 weeks postoperatively.
For clinicians
A practical perioperative nutrition concept for surgical patients
Orthonutracare is being developed as a structured nutrition protocol intended to support patients in the lead-up to surgery and through the early postoperative period, with an initial focus on orthopaedic care.
The clinical idea
The concept behind Orthonutracare is straightforward: surgery places substantial physiological demands on patients, and perioperative nutritional preparation deserves a clearer place within the pathway.
The aim is not to present nutrition as a substitute for broader medical, anaesthetic, or rehabilitation care, but as one practical and modifiable part of surgical preparation and recovery support.
The initial focus is on hip and knee arthroplasty, while keeping the broader perioperative rationale relevant to both private and public patients.
Protocol summary
The current perioperative framework
The present concept is based on a short, structured perioperative protocol combining protein support, creatine, vitamin support, and preoperative carbohydrate strategy.
Sachet protocol
The product currently being developed is planned as 2 sachets daily, beginning 1 week before surgery and continuing for 2 weeks afterwards.
Per sachet
Each sachet is currently planned to contain approximately 30 g protein, 2 g creatine, and 500 mg vitamin C.
Carbohydrate strategy
The framework also includes carbohydrate loading on the evening before surgery, alongside standard perioperative planning.
Why protein is central
Protein sits at the centre of this concept because the perioperative period places increased demands on repair, tissue recovery, muscle preservation, and functional return.
In practical terms, many patients are unlikely to achieve a meaningful perioperative protein intake consistently through normal diet alone, especially when appetite, routine, mobility, or confidence are already affected in the lead-up to surgery.
A structured target of 1.6 to 2.0 g/kg/day provides a clearer framework for perioperative preparation, while the sachet-based format is intended to make that target easier to reach in routine care.
Intended use
Where this may fit clinically
Orthonutracare is intended to be usable across different care settings, including both private and public orthopaedic pathways.
It may be relevant where clinicians want a clearer and more practical way to support perioperative nutrition without creating unnecessary complexity for patients.
Patient groups
Patients who may benefit from a structured approach
The initial emphasis is on patients preparing for hip or knee replacement, though the broader perioperative rationale may extend to other surgical groups over time.
In particular, the concept may be useful where protein intake is likely to be suboptimal or where clinicians want more deliberate nutritional preparation before surgery.
Tone and clinical positioning
Orthonutracare is being developed with deliberately restrained language. The intention is not to overstate certainty or make broad therapeutic promises, but to present a clinically literate and practical perioperative nutrition concept.
The emphasis is on support, preparation, usability, and recovery context rather than exaggerated marketing language.
Clinician interest
Interested in following the project?
If you are a surgeon, GP, dietitian, nurse, physiotherapist, or part of a perioperative team and would like updates on the development of Orthonutracare, we would be pleased to hear from you.