Serum Level of Vitamin D and Distal Radius Fractures: A Case-Control Study

Distal radius fracture is a common fracture in elderly. It has well established that vitamin D deficiency and hip fractures are related. Some studies have claimed such a relation for distal radius fractures.
In this matched case-control study conducted from June 2015 to April 2016, patients aged beyond 50 years presenting to Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran, with a distal radius fracture were enrolled. The serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus were measured and then data were compared to control group.
Findings: During this study, 130 people including 65 cases and 65 controls in each group composed of 30 men and 35 women were studied. Mean level of serum vitamin D was significantly lower in case group; such a difference was also seen in affected men compared to control ones. There was no significant difference in vitamin D levels between case and control women. Mean serum levels of calcium and phosphorus were significantly higher in case group.
The results show a direct correlation between low serum vitamin D level and the incidence of distal radius fractures. More studies are needed to assess whether the correction of this lack of vitamin D leads to a decrease in distal radius fracture and other future fractures.