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Pre-existing osteoporosis and serum vitamin D levels in patients with distal radius fractures: are we missing something?

Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
March 1, 2024
Steffi S I Falk et al. (5 authors)
Clinical TrialJournal ArticleHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to assess vitamin D levels in patients with distal radius fractures and evaluate the need for osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment, including vitamin D supplementation.

Results Summary

The study found that average vitamin D levels (57 nmol/l) were below the recommended level (75 nmol/l) and did not exceed this threshold without supplementation. It suggested year-round vitamin D supplementation for osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

Population

Patients aged 46–91 years with distal radius fractures who underwent surgery.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
-
neutral
diagnosis gap
patients with distal radius fractures
53%
identified
#1
-
neutral
treatment gap
patients with distal radius fractures
84%
identified
#2
-
decrease
average vitamin D level
patients with distal radius fractures
57 nmol/l
was below
#3
-
no change
vitamin D level (without substitution)
patients with distal radius fractures
recommended value of 75 nmol/l
never exceeded
#4
vitamin D supplementation
neutral
prevention of osteomalacia and as a basis for the treatment of osteoporosis
patients with distal radius fractures
-
should be considered
#5
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Given the significant therapeutic gap for osteoporosis, this study aims to investigate the most common osteoporosis-related fracture. The analysis will also consider patients' serum vitamin D levels and the indications for basic osteoporosis diagnostic tests and osteoporosis therapy prior to fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective clinical trial included patients with distal radius fractures who underwent surgery at our hospital between 1 April 2021 and 7 April 2022. Blood samples were taken from all participants and existing risk factors for osteoporosis were recorded. In addition, the indication for a guideline-based osteoporosis diagnosis was assessed and the risk of another future fracture with FRAX RESULTS: A diagnosis gap of 53% and a treatment gap of 84% were identified among the 102 patients investigated. The patients' ages ranged from 46 to 91 years, with an average vitamin D level of 57 nmol/l, which was below the recommended level of 75 nmol/l. It was noted on a monthly basis that the vitamin D level (without substitution) never exceeded the recommended value of 75 nmol/l in any month. Three-quarters of patients had indications for a baseline osteoporosis diagnosis, yet less than 50% received one. According to FRAX CONCLUSION: Even without a previous distal radius fracture, many patients are in need of osteoporosis diagnosis or treatment. Our research suggests that patients with distal radius fractures should have their vitamin D levels checked via a blood test and be evaluated for osteoporosis. As endogenous vitamin D levels are often inadequate, year-round vitamin D supplementation should be considered for the prevention of osteomalacia and as a basis for the treatment of osteoporosis. GERMAN CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER ID: DRKS00028085.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AgedAged, 80 and overHumansMiddle AgedBone DensityOsteoporosisOsteoporotic FracturesRadius FracturesRisk FactorsVitamin DWrist FracturesProspective Studies
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy65/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year1.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.50
Normalized Score0.61
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Pre-existing osteoporosis and serum vitamin D levels in pati... | Panacea Index