Vitamin D Insufficiency in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty in Ireland

Ir Med J. 2017 Dec 18;110(10):649.

Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D is essential for bone health. We aimed to assess the vitamin D levels of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty TKA). Methods: All TKA patients during a calendar year had their 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 (25-OH-D3) assay levels assessed pre and post operatively. A control group comprising of patients admitted for 1-day general medical assessment was recruited. Usage of supplements containing Vitamin D was recorded for both groups. Results: There was no evidence of a difference in Vitamin D levels between the TKA group and the control group (p=0.19). Just over 40% of patients had insufficient levels of vitamin D in the TKA group (50 nmol/L cut off). There was a statistically significant drop in vitamin D levels post operatively (p=0.0001). Supplements were protective against insufficiency post operatively (p=0.0005, OR 6.0985). Discussion: This study documents a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in patients undergoing TKA surgery. Our results suggest a consumption of 25-OH-D3 as part of the surgical insult.

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / statistics & numerical data*
  • Calcifediol / administration & dosage
  • Calcifediol / blood*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Humans
  • Ireland / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Period
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / epidemiology*
  • Vitamins / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Calcifediol