Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults With Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Comparative Analysis Using a Large National...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Endocrinology
• Bone Metabolism Research

Background:

• Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and preventing fractures.
• The vitamin D status in tibial plateau fracture patients is not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess serum vitamin D levels in patients with tibial plateau fractures.
• To compare these levels with the general Greek population.
• To determine if vitamin D deficiency is more common in fracture patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 45 adult patients with tibial plateau fractures.
• Measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25{OH}D) levels.
• Comparison with data from 8780 individuals from the Greek general population.

Main Results:

• Patients with tibial plateau fractures had significantly lower mean vitamin D levels (16.24±8.21 ng/mL) compared to the general population (25.08±14.40 ng/mL).
• Vitamin D deficiency was much more prevalent in the fracture group (75.6%) versus the general population (40%).
• Groups were similar in age but differed in gender distribution.

Conclusions:

• Adults with tibial plateau fractures exhibit profound vitamin D deficiency.
• Screening and vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial for this patient group.
• Further research is needed to explore if low vitamin D is a risk factor for tibial plateau fractures.