Hypovitaminosis D in adult patients scheduled for orthopaedic surgery: a cross-sectional and observational study

Gazala Abbas; Sparsh Dagoria; Asma Yasin; Tahir Afzal; Abdul M. Bhat; Nikhil Atri

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20260497

Authors

Gazala Abbas Department of Biochemistry, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Sparsh Dagoria Department of Orthopedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Asma Yasin Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Tahir Afzal Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Abdul M. Bhat Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Nikhil Atri Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20260497

Keywords:

Hypovitaminosis D, Orthopaedic surgery, Vitamin D deficiency, Bone healing, BMI, Preoperative screening

Abstract

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a common yet underdiagnosed nutritional deficiency with significant implications for orthopaedic surgical patients. Vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, and muscle function—factors influencing bone healing, infection risk, and postoperative rehabilitation. Although global studies report high prevalence, limited Indian data exist for orthopaedic surgery patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Jammu, from September 2023 to February 2024. Fifty adult patients (>20 years) scheduled for elective orthopaedic surgery were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured preoperatively using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Deficiency was defined as <20 ng/ml, insufficiency as 20–30 ng/ml, and optimal as >30 ng/ml. Demographic and clinical variables (age, sex, BMI) were recorded. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee (approval no. GMCJ/IEC/2023/241).

Results: Mean age was 56.17±15.23 years; 58% were male. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.61±4.21 kg/m², with 38% overweight. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 30% of patients, insufficiency in 40%, and optimal levels in 30%. Deficiency was more prevalent among males and overweight individuals, and highest in the 61–70-year age group (38%).

Conclusions: Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent among adults undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Overweight status and male gender were associated with higher risk. Routine preoperative screening and supplementation could improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications.

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