Adjuvant Vitamin D Injection in Elderly Patients Before Intertrochanteric Fracture Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background There are multiple recommended protocols for Vitamin D (VitD) supplementation in elderly; however, only a few studies achieved to examine the role of VitD supplements before intertrochanteric fracture surgery on mortality and complications after surgery. Methods This single-center block-randomized double-blinded trial was conducted on 80 patients with intertrochanteric fractures and a sufficient level of 25 (OH) VitD. The intervention group received an intramuscular 300,000 IU VitD ampule before surgery. The primary outcome was a 6-month mortality rate, and the secondary outcomes were 1- and 2-year mortality rates and Harris Hip Score (HHS) in 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Chi-square, t-test, repeated measure ANOVA, and Cox regression survival model was used for statistical analysis. Results 40 patients were allocated to each group. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and preoperative evaluations were not significantly different between the groups. Mortality rate 6-month after the surgery was 7.5% and 10% for the intervention and placebo groups respectively ( P value = .71), 15% and 12.5% at 1-year ( P value = .83), and 25% and 27.5% at 2-year ( P value = .98). Based on the Cox regression model, only age was significantly associated with mortality (HR = 1.229, P value <.001). Significant HHS changes from baseline through 24 months after surgery were observed within both groups; however, mean differences were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions A single preoperative 300,000 IU VitD did not significantly impact 2-year survival and HHS in patients with intertrochanteric fractures and sufficient serum VitD level.