Clinical studies evaluating the effects of vitamin D alone or in combination with calcium on physical function, falls and fractures have been inconsistent. Vitamin D has, however, been the focus of much orthopaedic, trauma and endocrine research. Playing a central role in muscle and bone metabolism, some studies on Vitamin D therapies offer the tantalising suggestion of a reduction in falls and fractures simply with vitamin D supplementation. We review the background and evidence behind vitamin D.

Background

Fractured neck of femurs cause substantial morbidity and mortality in elderly patients and represent a huge financial burden to the NHS. Hip fracture patients are generally malnourished on admission, often having poor nutritional inpatient intake, hindering recovery and increasing chances of “unfavourable outcome.” Nutritional care is included in intercollegiate guidelines for management of fractured neck of femur patients, but is nutrition a management priority in clinical practice?