Vitamin D status in patients undergoing arthroplasty

Vitamin D deficiency has, in recent literature, been associated with poorer outcomes following arthroplasty. This is a retrospective chart review of 209 patients presenting to a local arthroplasty unit in one year. The aim was to identify the prevalence of undiagnosed vitamin D deficiency in this group of patients. The results showed a 10% prevalence. In this study, Indian and Coloured female patients were most at risk (15-16% prevalence) and Black patients had the lowest prevalence (6.9%). In conclusion, the population presenting for arthroplasty at this unit is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, and we advocate vitamin D levels to be part of a standard metabolic workup in our environment.