Effect of 25‐OH‐vitamin D on fracture healing in elderly rats

Abstract

To investigate the effect of 25-OH-vitamin D supplements (calcidiol) on fracture healing in the elderly, an experimental model with 15 18-month-old female Wistar rats was designed. An experimental fracture in the middle third of both femora of each rat was made. Then the rats were randomly assigned to two groups: one group was subcutaneously treated with 25-OH-vitamin D during all healing processes, and the other group (the control group) was not. After 5 weeks of healing, the animals were killed and both femora were extracted. Blood samples were collected before fracture and at death to determine the levels of 25-OH-vitamin D. All bones that were extracted were subjected to a torsion test to assess healing; a significantly greater maximum shear force before failure was supported in the treated group (p < 0.01). Moreover, a positive correlation (p < 0.01; r=0.55) was found between blood levels of 25-OH-vitamin D at death and the mechanical strength of the callus. Thus, the administration of 25-OH-vitamin D after the experimental fracture significantly improved the mechanical strength of the fractured bone. If similar results are found in the human, then treatment with 25-OH-vitamin D after the occurrence of a fracture would be a good way to improve fracture healing in the elderly.

Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with fractures of the fifth metatarsal

“…In addition to its effect on calcium and phosphate homeostasis, Vitamin D has an effect on bone healing and remodelling through upregulation of osteoblast activity, and stimulation of osteoclastogenesis [25]. Animal studies have shown improved rates of fracture healing with vitamin D supplementation [26].…”

Femoral and tibial stress fractures associated with vitamin D insufficiency

“…Hypovitaminosis-D may predispose bone to stress fractures by decreasing tolerance to structural overload and by complicating recovery in certain individuals 7. We present a case which highlights the need to consider hypovitaminosis-D when investigating background causation and treatment of femoral and tibial stress fracture.…”

Effect of osteoporosis medications on fracture healing

“…Most animal studies examining the role of vitamin D have shown a positive effect on fracture healing [11][12][13][14]. In animal models, the plasma concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ), one of the active vitamin D metabolites, rapidly decreases following a fracture.…”