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The Role of Preoperative Vitamin D in Spine Surgery

  • Updates in Spine Surgery - Techniques, Biologics, and Non-Operative Management (W Hsu, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for human bone health and maintenance. Patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery with hypovitaminosis D may be at greater risk for worsened clinical outcomes. This narrative review aims to compile the current literature studying the effects of low preoperative vitamin D on spine surgery outcomes, creating a resource that clinicians can use to inform their practice.

Recent Findings

Vitamin D deficiency predisposes to worse outcomes following spine surgery. Vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in reducing the risk for adverse postoperative events; however, the literature is inconclusive regarding its efficacy in improving bone density and fracture risk.

Summary

Spine clinicians should be aware of the increased risk for poor outcomes in patients with preoperative vitamin D deficiency. Future investigations are needed to better evaluate the benefits of preoperative vitamin D screening and supplementation on improving surgical outcomes in spine patients. These studies must also consider the effects on perioperative healthcare costs.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Anitesh Bajaj, Rohan M. Shah, Alyssa M. Goodwin, Steven Kurapaty, Alpesh A. Patel & Srikanth N. Divi

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  1. Anitesh Bajaj
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Correspondence to Anitesh Bajaj.

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Anitesh Bajaj, Rohan M. Shah, Alyssa M. Goodwin, Steven Kurapaty, Alpesh A. Patel, and Srikanth N. Divi declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Bajaj, A., Shah, R.M., Goodwin, A.M. et al. The Role of Preoperative Vitamin D in Spine Surgery. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 16, 48–54 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-022-09813-z

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