Conservative Treatment and Vitamin D Levels in Patients With Spinal Fractures

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the evolution of pain, functional capacity, and vitamin D levels in conservatively treated patients with low-energy spinal fractures. Methods: Between January 2017 and March 2021, patients older than 40 years old affected by these fractures were selected and treated conservatively for six months. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and Cobb angle were evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Serum vitamin D levels were also measured at the first outpatient visit, and it was investigated whether the patient had a previous diagnosis of osteoporosis or previous fractures. Results: A total of 105 patients were analyzed, 70.5% of whom were women, with a mean age of 73.1 years. The average vitamin D level was 25.3 ng/mL, and hypovitaminosis was found in 75% of patients. Eight patients (7.62%) had a previous diagnosis of osteoporosis, and ten (9.52%) reported the occurrence of previous fractures. Regarding the VAS score, there was a mean reduction of 5.5 points of pain; for ODI, there was an average increase of 1 percentage point and an average increase of 4.3º of kyphosis in the fractured segment between pre- and post-treatment. Conclusion: The treatment improved pain, and patients maintained their functional capacity. Low levels of vitamin D were associated with more complex fractures. Level of evidence III; Retrospective Study.