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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are devastating injuries that most often affect the elderly and have a tremendous impact on both the healthcare system and society in general. The role of calcium and Vitamin D deficiency in bone metabolism is known and hence the necessity for further evaluation and studies to check its influence in hip fractures.
Method: A descriptive type of study was conducted between October 2012 and July 2014 in St. John's Medical College and Hospital. Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Once the diagnosis of hip fractures was made then following tests were done on day 1 of admission - Vitamin D (CLIA method), calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase.
Results: The study also showed that the incidence of the neck of femur fracture was comparable with intertrochanteric fractures. While neck of femur fractures was more common in female patients, while intertrochanteric fracture was common in male patients. These fractures were mainly seen in the age group between 61 and 70 years of age. The overall Vitamin D deficiency was 76% among all patients, with more predominance (84.6%) in female patients. Increased grades of fracture injury were seen in both fracture neck of femur and intertrochanteric fractures, when Vitamin D level was below 20 ng/ml
Conclusion: The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among hip fractures necessitates correction of its serum value in the body. The treatment of Vitamin D deficiency may decrease the incidence of hip fractures and result in milder grades of fractures. This may help in better management of hip fractures and reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs.
Keywords: Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Hip fractures
Language: en |