Vitamin D Deficiency May Reduce Mobility Following Hip Fracture

Full healing of a broken hip can take many months. Most fractures take 10-12 weeks for healing, and the return of muscle strength and mobility can take much longer. A new study has found that people who are vitamin D deficient at the time of a hip fracture may take longer to regain mobility.

Participants in the study included 290 people with an average age of 82 who underwent hip fracture repair. The researchers evaluated mortality and mobility 30 days and 60 days after surgery. Serum vitamin D levels and nutritional status were assessed at baseline.

Participants with serum vitamin D levels greater than 12 nanograms per milliliter had a significantly higher rate of walking at 30 days post-surgery, compared to those with levels less than 12 nanograms per milliliter. Participants with higher serum vitamin D levels also had greater mobility at 60 days, compared to those with lower levels. Poor nutritional status was associated with reduced mobility at day 30, but not at day 60.

The study was conducted by researchers from Rutgers University. It was published online ahead of print on February 19, 2020 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.