HIGH PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

Introduction:  Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread global health issue that affects a significant portion of the population, particularly in individuals with conditions that compromise bone health and musculoskeletal function.Objective: The main objective of the study is to find the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.Methodology: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Niazi Medical and Dental College, Sargodha during august 2023 to august 2024. Data were collected from 178 patients. Patients aged 40 years and older, with a confirmed diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis and a recommendation for TKA based on clinical assessment and imaging studies were included in the study.Results: Data were collected from 178 patients. Of the 178 patients, 40.4% (72 patients) were deficient in vitamin D (<20 ng/mL), while 46.1% (82 patients) had insufficient levels (20-30 ng/mL). Only 13.5% (24 patients) had sufficient vitamin D levels (>30 ng/mL). These findings highlight the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in this surgical population, indicating the potential need for supplementation in preoperative care.In terms of postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs), the infection rate was higher in the vitamin D-deficient group (6.9%, n=5 out of 72) compared to the vitamin D-sufficient group (4.2%, n=1 out of 24).Conclusion: It is concluded that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and is associated with increased postoperative complications, including surgical site infections and delayed functional recovery.