Examining the effect of serum level of Vitamin D on union of tibia closed fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Impaired fracture healing process may lead to prolonged disability, anxiety, and psychological burden on patients, as well as the imposition of additional costs on the treatment system and the patients. The roles of Vitamin D in fracture union process have not yet been clearly determined. Therefore, the present study was aimed to examine the effect of serum level of Vitamin D on the union of tibia-closed fractures. Method: This was a prospective clinical trial conducted on 46 patients with closed tibial fractures. Serum levels of Vitamin D were measured and recorded before surgery using blood tests in all patients. The union process was evaluated through clinical and radiographic evaluations on a weekly basis up to 4 weeks after surgery and then monthly. The patients were divided into two union groups before 6 months of fracture and the group with union disorder after 6 months and presurgical values of Vitamin D were compared between two groups. P < 0.05 was considered as statistical significance for all tests. Results: Mean level of Vitamin D in the union group before 6 months (19.6 ± 13.6) was higher than the group with union disorder (15.3 ± 7.4), it was not significantly different (P = 0.147). Pearson correlation coefficient showed an inverse relationship between the Vitamin D levels with the time of union, so that with increasing levels of Vitamin D, the duration of union reduced, but their relationship was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and the union of the tibia fracture, and given the contradictory results in previous studies and the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in Iran, studies with more samples are recommended.