Incidence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Foot and Ankle Arthrodesis Nonunions

Background Vitamin D has been found to be crucial in musculoskeletal health. The role of vitamin D levels in orthopedic patients has become a growing area of interest given its negative impact on fracture healing which can contribute to the development of nonunion following surgery. We sought to inv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-03, Vol.16 (3), p.e57028-e57028
Main Authors: Anciano, Victor, Tran, Sterling K, Carr, James B, Edwards, Campbell, Russell, Dylan, Reid, Risa T, Park, Joseph
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ankle
Arthritis
Back surgery
Body mass index
Bone surgery
Cardiovascular disease
Clinical outcomes
Diabetes
Fractures
Orthopedics
Patients
Phosphorus
Trauma
Vitamin D
Vitamin deficiency
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Summary:Background Vitamin D has been found to be crucial in musculoskeletal health. The role of vitamin D levels in orthopedic patients has become a growing area of interest given its negative impact on fracture healing which can contribute to the development of nonunion following surgery. We sought to investigate the incidence of hypovitaminosis D in a cohort of patients who experienced a nonunion following a foot and ankle arthrodesis procedure. Methodology Patients who underwent a major elective foot and ankle arthrodesis procedure and developed a nonunion were given the opportunity to obtain serum vitamin D levels. All vitamin D levels were reported from percutaneous venous blood samples and compared to our institution's range of accepted normal values (25-80 ng/mL). Results A total of 13 patients who developed a nonunion agreed to have a vitamin D level obtained, and 11 of 13 patients had a low vitamin D level (average = 14.6 ng/mL, range = 9-24 ng/mL). Five patients underwent revision arthrodesis after normalization of vitamin D levels, and four out of five patients went on to successful union. Conclusions Hypovitaminosis D may be a modifiable risk factor for nonunion following a major foot and ankle arthrodesis procedure. Orthopedic surgeons should consider vitamin D screening and supplementation in patients undergoing elective arthrodesis procedures.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.57028