Sarcopenia: current state of knowledge and its implications in orthopaedics and traumatology for enhanced clinical strategies and patient outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a pathologic condition frequent in aged population, leading to functional and cognitive impairment. Given the ageing of the population worldwide, the topic has generated interest in the last decades and is expected to be more relevant in the near future. This paper aims to present the mechanism of sarcopenia, the current state of knowledge regarding diagnosis and treatment and the role of sarcopenia in orthopaedic and traumatological settings. Sarcopenia is an age-related condition which overlaps with other features of frailty syndrome by similar biochemical pathways. It is characterized by a loss of muscle mass and function, mainly due to reduced anabolism. The importance of prompt diagnosis is highlighted; however, there is a lack of standardized cut-offs, thus affecting also non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapeutic options, which are not well defined. The increased risk of falls, disability, cognitive impairment and association with osteoporosis exacerbates fracture risk. Post-surgery inactivity contributes to sarcopenia, which also leads to prolonged hospital stays, increased complications and worse clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Ageing of population will increase chronic-related conditions. Sarcopenia is a growing and still largely unexplored clinical challenge. Research should focus on diagnostic thresholds and therapeutic protocols to promote interdisciplinary assessment and targeted interventions. In the orthopaedic field, attention ranges from the prevention of fragility fractures to proper perioperative management.