Affiliations: [a] St. Josef Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany | [b] Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany | [c] Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D is a major risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. Evidence also suggests correlation between deficiency and musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE: Non-interventional study in patients undergoing spine surgery to investigate links between vitamin D levels and clinical features. METHODS: 25-OH vitamin D levels were assessed in two cohorts: Cohort 1 (vertebral fractures; VF) and Cohort 2 (other spinal issues; excluding VF). Lab values as well as painDETECT questionnaires, VAS and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were recorded. Follow-up visits were conducted a few days and 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients were enrolled. Mean VAS measured 72 mm in Cohort 1 and 55 mm in Cohort 2. Mean vitamin D concentrations were 16.8 ± 11 ng/ml in Cohort 1 and 18.3 ± 11 ng/ml in Cohort 2. VAS and ODI significantly correlated with vitamin D levels. Median painDETECT scores were 9 in Cohort 1 and 16 in Cohort 2. Six weeks postoperatively mean VAS was 31.4 ± 28 mm in Cohort 1 and 23.3 ± 21 mm in Cohort 2. Median painDETECT scores were 5 in both cohorts. CONCLUSION: Interactions are apparent between neuropathic pain and vitamin D serum levels. Consequently, vitamin D should be monitored in all patients requiring spinal surgery.
