Hypoalbuminemia Caused by Malnutrition and Total Joint Arthroplasties: A Narrative Review

Background: Albumin is the most abundant soluble protein in plasma, and it is a widely used and low-cost marker for the diagnosis of malnutrition. The serum albumin level below 35 g/L defines hypoalbuminemia. Objective: This review aims to discuss the role of albumin in the body, review hypoalbuminemia associated with postoperative complications in total joint arthroplasty surgeries, and examine the impact of nutritional interventions in malnutrition patients submitted to total joint arthroplasty. Methods: This article is a narrative review of the literature. Results: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia has been identified as the only significant predictor for surgical site infection and delayed wound healing after total joint arthroplasty. The postoperative complications related to hypoalbuminemia are infection of the surgical site, pneumonia, length of hospital stay, reintervention, and death. As a result, hypoalbuminemia is also associated with a higher cost of hospitalization for patients. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition are causes of postoperative complications of hip arthroplasty, and the control of these conditions can lead to better results in the postoperative period.