Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Outcomes Following Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Endocrinology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is common in spinal surgery patients.
• Its impact on spinal fusion outcomes is not well understood.
• This review examines the association between vitamin D levels and spinal fusion success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on vitamin D deficiency and spinal fusion outcomes.
• To assess the effect of vitamin D deficiency on spinal fusion rates and pain.
• To evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on surgical results.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus.
• Included original research articles on vitamin D, spinal surgery, fusion, and pseudarthrosis.

Main Results:

• Five studies showed vitamin D deficient patients had lower fusion rates and more low back pain.
• Postoperative vitamin D supplementation improved pain, patient outcomes, and fusion rates.
• Deficiency negatively impacts spinal fusion and recovery.

Conclusions:

• Correcting vitamin D deficiency may enhance spinal fusion success and surgical outcomes.
• Preoperative treatment of vitamin D deficiency could be beneficial.
• Further prospective studies are needed to confirm routine preoperative treatment efficacy.