Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition
Published on: September 22, 2023
Hypovitaminosis D in Orthopaedic Trauma: Which Guidelines Should Be Followed?
Brett Schiffman1, Hobie Summers2, Mitchell Bernstein3
1Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Objective:
To evaluate the risk factors for hypovitaminosis D and to determine the baseline vitamin D supplementation associated with normal vitamin D levels at presentation.
Design:
Prospective observational study.
Setting:
Level I trauma center.
Patients:
This study included 259 adult patients undergoing operative treatment for orthopaedic trauma (OTA 11-15, 21-23, 31-34, 41-44, 61-62, 70C, 81-82, 87) between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014.
Intervention:
Prospective, observational study.
Main Outcomes:
Association of hypovitaminosis D with patient characteristics, injury factors, and vitamin D supplementation.
Results:
Univariate predictors of hypovitaminosis D included a lack of preinjury supplementation, non-white race, younger age, female sex, non-Medicare insurance, smoking, obesity, Charlson Comorbidity Index <2, and high-energy mechanism. On multivariate analysis, preinjury supplementation was associated with a lower risk (odds ratio: 0.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.15-0.63, P = 0.001) and non-white race was associated with a higher risk (odds ratio: 3.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.58-8.37, P = 0.001) of hypovitaminosis D. Logistic regression analysis found a dose-dependent relationship between vitamin D supplementation and hypovitaminosis D. Each 100-IU increase in vitamin D supplementation was associated with an 8% decrease in the risk of hypovitaminosis D.
Conclusions:
A lack of preinjury supplementation and non-white race were independently associated with hypovitaminosis D. Baseline supplementation consistent with Endocrine Society guidelines (2000 IU daily) was more effective than that consistent with Institute of Medicine guidelines (400 IU daily) in maintaining 25-hydroxyvitamin D above 30 ng/mL in this population.
Level Of Evidence:
Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Related Concept Videos
Guidelines for Sketching a Curve
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation I
Factual:
The following points emphasize the significance of upholding accurate and unbiased documentation in healthcare.
Guidelines for Nursing Documentation II
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.
Legal Guidelines for Documentation
Guidelines and Strategies for Safe Computer Charting
Maintain Confidentiality and Security:

