VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PATIENTS WITH ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS (AIS): A CAUSE FOR CONCERN?

Aim: Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in the UK. It is more prevalent in patients with orthopaedic conditions. Previous studies in the literature have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with low patient-related outcome scores. To date, no studies have been performed in spinal patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between vitamin D status and pre-operative outcome scores in patients with AIS. Methods: AIS patients undergoing scoliosis correction between July 2012 and May 2013 at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital were investigated. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured and SRS-22r questionnaires were completed as part of their pre-admission work up. Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled into the study. Of these 11 patients (44%) had inadequate vitamin D levels. There was a significant correlation between the vitamin D level and SRS-22r scores (Spearman9s 0.397, p=0.049; Pearson9s 0.416, p=0.039). Discussion: Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with worse pre-operative outcome scores in the AIS population. We are currently recruiting more patients into our study and also plan to look at the post-operative outcome scores to see if this difference is maintained. Conflict Of Interest Statement: No conflict of interest.