Role of Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels in Fracture Healing and Functional Recovery: A Clinical Correlation Study
Vitamin D and Calcium in Fracture Healing and Recovery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69750/dmls.03.03.0197Keywords:
Vitamin D, Calcium, Fracture Healing, Functional Recovery, Bone HealthAbstract
Background: Fracture healing is a complex physiological process influenced by multiple biological and nutritional factors. Vitamin D and calcium are essential for bone mineralization and remodeling, yet their deficiencies are highly prevalent in developing populations and may adversely affect healing outcomes.
Objective: To evaluate the role of serum vitamin D and calcium levels in fracture healing and functional recovery among adult patients.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Bahawalpur Medical and Dental College, Pakistan, from January 2022 to January 2025. A total of 160 adult patients with acute long bone fractures were included in the study. Baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and calcium levels were measured at the time of enrollment. Patients were followed for up to 12 weeks to assess radiological union and functional recovery using standardized scoring systems. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 57.5% of patients, while hypocalcemia was present in 35.0%. Patients with sufficient vitamin D levels showed significantly faster fracture healing (9.1 ± 1.7 weeks) compared to deficient patients (11.9 ± 2.5 weeks, p < 0.001). Similarly, normal calcium levels were associated with shorter healing time (9.8 ± 1.9 weeks) compared to hypocalcemia (11.5 ± 2.4 weeks, p = 0.002). Functional recovery scores were significantly higher in patients with adequate vitamin D and calcium levels. Multivariate analysis identified vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcemia as independent predictors of delayed healing.
Conclusion: Serum vitamin D and calcium levels significantly influence fracture healing and functional recovery. Early identification and correction of deficiencies may improve clinical outcomes.
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