Research has shown that vitsmin D regulates several areas of human physiology, including the cardiac, immune. digestive and musculoskeletal systems. Orthopedic surgeons frequently prescribe calcium and vitsmin D supplementation for patients with fractures to promote fracture healing. This study was designed to better understand the relationship between serum 25 (OH) D levels and the 1ikelihood of postoperative complications affer fracture related surgery.

This retrospective review was perforrned for all adult orthopedic trauma patients seen at a levell trauma center for a fracture between 2009 and 2010. the patients had available serum 25 (OH) D levels drawn within two weeks of injury and repeat levels drawn at a minimum of eight weeks later. All patients received 100 IU of vitamin D₃ and 1500 mg of calcium daily. Those with a serum 25 (OH) D deficiency or insufficiency also received a regimen of 50000 IU ergocalciferol weekly until 25 (OH) D levels were normalized (>32 ng/mL). Standard clinical follow-up was performed at two, six and 12 week visits, and every two to three months until fracture healing.

Among the 201 patients included in this study, 15 had fracture healing complications, including infection (6%), nonunion (3%), osteomyelitis (1.5%), wound dehiscence (1.5%), malunion (0.5%) and joint contracture (0.5%). There was no significant difference in the likelihood of fracture healing complications based upon the initial or repeat levels of 25 (OH) D (P>0.5 and P>0.6, respectively).

This retrospective study of patients with traumatic fractures found that vitsmin D supplementation does not appear to have a large impact on fracture healing.