Vitamin D Status and Supplementation in Lumbar Spinal Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes.
Stylianos Kapetanakis, Michael Patrianakos, Mikail Chatzivasiliadis et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of vitamin D status and supplementation on outcomes in adult patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. The analysis included nine studies, revealing that better vitamin D status or supplementation significantly increased the likelihood of fusion success (RR 1.25) and decreased the risk of fusion failure (RR 0.45).
Key findings
- Patients with better vitamin D status had a 25% higher likelihood of fusion success (RR 1.25).
- Vitamin D exposure was associated with a 55% lower risk of fusion failure (RR 0.45).
- Patient-reported outcomes showed inconsistent results with no significant effects.
- Heterogeneity in results was partly due to differences in outcome definitions and study designs.
Why it matters
Understanding the role of vitamin D in lumbar spinal fusion outcomes can help clinicians optimize patient management and potentially improve surgical success rates. This is particularly relevant given the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.
What to keep in mind
Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity among the included studies.