Should patients take vitamin D before mandibular operations?

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the United Kingdom, affecting various patient demographics.
• Low vitamin D levels can be linked to complications following surgical procedures.
• Screening and supplementation are cost-effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the outcomes of patients with vitamin D deficiency undergoing mandibular fracture reduction or osteotomy.
• To evaluate the impact of preoperative screening and supplementation on surgical outcomes.
• To recommend screening and supplementation protocols for at-risk patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients with vitamin D deficiency undergoing mandibular procedures.
• Analysis of complication rates in patients with and without preoperative screening/supplementation.
• Cost-effectiveness analysis of vitamin D testing and supplementation.

Main Results:

• Patients with vitamin D deficiency experienced complications after mandibular fracture reduction and osteotomy.
• Preoperative screening identified at-risk individuals for vitamin D deficiency.
• Supplementation is inexpensive and can mitigate risks.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative screening for vitamin D deficiency is recommended for patients undergoing mandibular operations.
• Supplementation should be considered for patients at risk, especially those scheduled for orthognathic surgery or temporomandibular joint replacement.
• Addressing vitamin D deficiency is a crucial, cost-effective measure in oral and maxillofacial surgery.