Prevalence of Low Vitamin D Levels in Patients With Orthopedic Trauma
Abstract
Low levels of serum vitamin D have been linked to numerous musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal conditions. Vitamin D deficiency appears relatively high among various patient subpopulations, including patients with fracture nonunion. We conducted a retrospective study to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in a large population of patients with orthopedic trauma. The study included all patients who were over age 18 years, had no risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, and were treated for an acute fracture at a Level 1 trauma center. Between January 2009 and September 2010, 889 trauma patients had recorded serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Overall prevalence of combined vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was 77%; prevalence of vitamin D deficiency alone was 39%. There were no statistically significant (P < .05) age or sex differences among the population. There did not appear to be a seasonal difference. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in acute orthopedic trauma patients appear very common. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the clinical significance.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
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