Vitamin D Deficiency and Outcomes After Ankle Fusion: A Short Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Endocrinology
• Bone Metabolism

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in impaired bone healing and remodeling.
• Ankle fusion surgery aims to restore stability but carries risks of complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between low vitamin D levels and reoperation for nonunion following ankle fusion.
• To identify potential risk factors for surgical complications in ankle fusion patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 47 adult patients undergoing ankle fusion with pre-operative vitamin D levels.
• Patients classified as vitamin D deficient (<30 ng/mL) or normal (31-80 ng/mL).
• Primary outcome: reoperation for nonunion; secondary outcomes: reoperation for other causes and repeat reoperations.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D deficient patients (n=17) had an average level of 16.9 ng/mL, while normal patients (n=30) averaged 46.4 ng/mL.
• All nonunion reoperations (4/17, 23.5%) occurred exclusively in the vitamin D deficient group (P = .013).
• Reoperation rates for non-union causes were significantly higher in vitamin D deficient patients compared to normal patients.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of reoperation for nonunion after ankle fusion.
• Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may be crucial for successful ankle fusion outcomes.