Association between serum vitamin D levels and pediatric distal radius fractures: a case-control study

This study evaluated whether serum vitamin D levels are associated with distal radius fractures in children. In this case-control study, pediatric patients with confirmed distal radius fractures (cases) were compared to children visiting an orthopedic clinic for routine checks or minor muscular pain (controls). Serum vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium levels were analyzed. We enrolled 98 children (mean age: 8.2 ± 2.6 years). Overall, 87.8% had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations below 30 ng/ml, with a cohort mean of 22.04 ± 7.35 ng/ml. No statistically significant differences were found between the case and control groups regarding serum vitamin D (P = 0.806), calcium, or phosphorus levels. Logistic regression confirmed none of these metabolic markers were significantly associated with fracture incidence. Serum vitamin D levels were not associated with pediatric distal radius fractures in this population. The generally low 25(OH)D concentrations observed in both groups suggest that other factors may have a greater role in fracture risk. The level of evidence is III.