The effect of a single early high-dose vitamin D supplement on fracture union in patients with hypovitaminosis D

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of a single early high-dose vitamin D supplement on fracture union in patients with hypovitaminosis D and a long bone fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: -test and cross tabulations verified the adequacy of randomisation. An intention-to-treat analysis was carried out. RESULTS: In all, 100 (89%) patients had hypovitaminosis D. Both treatment and control groups had similar demographics and injury characteristics. The initial median vitamin D levels were 16 ng/mL (interquartile range 5 to 28) in both groups (p = 0.885). A total of 14 patients were lost to follow-up (seven from each group), two had fixation failure (one in each group) and one control group patient developed an infection. Overall, the nonunion rate was 4% (two per group). No patient showed signs of clinical toxicity from their supplement. CONCLUSIONS: 2017;99-B:1520-5.