Our Summary

This study aimed to understand how prevalent Vitamin D deficiency is in patients with scoliosis who are preparing for surgery. The researchers analyzed data from 217 patients, looking at their Vitamin D levels in the days leading up to their surgery. They also considered factors such as gender, age, weight, race, type of scoliosis, surgical procedure, and time of year.

They found that nearly 75% of these patients had lower than normal Vitamin D levels. African American patients were more likely to have a deficiency than Caucasian patients, as were patients who were preparing for a certain type of surgery (spinal fusion). It was also more common to find severe Vitamin D deficiency in the winter months. However, patients with a certain type of scoliosis (neuromuscular scoliosis) had significantly higher Vitamin D levels than those with idiopathic scoliosis. The patient’s gender, weight, and age did not affect their Vitamin D levels.

In simpler terms, the study found that many kids with scoliosis who are about to have spine surgery have low Vitamin D levels, especially African American kids, those having spinal fusion surgery, and those admitted in winter.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of pediatric scoliosis patients preparing for surgery have lower than normal Vitamin D levels?
  2. Are certain groups of scoliosis patients more likely to have a Vitamin D deficiency?
  3. Does the type of scoliosis impact a patient’s Vitamin D levels?

Doctor’s Tip

To help optimize your recovery after pediatric scoliosis surgery, it is important to ensure you have adequate Vitamin D levels. Your doctor may recommend taking Vitamin D supplements or increasing your intake of Vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks. Additionally, spending time in the sun can help your body naturally produce Vitamin D. By maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels, you can support your bone health and overall healing process post-surgery.

Suitable For

Therefore, pediatric patients who are preparing for scoliosis surgery, especially those who fall into the aforementioned categories, may be recommended to undergo Vitamin D supplementation to ensure optimal healing and recovery after surgery. Additionally, it may be beneficial for healthcare providers to routinely screen scoliosis patients for Vitamin D deficiency and address any deficiencies prior to surgery to improve outcomes.

Timeline

Before surgery, a patient with pediatric scoliosis may experience symptoms such as back pain, uneven shoulders or hips, and visible curvature of the spine. They may undergo various diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the severity of their scoliosis. They may also undergo physical therapy or bracing to manage their condition.

After surgery, the patient will typically spend a few days in the hospital recovering. They may experience pain and discomfort in the days following surgery, which can be managed with pain medication. Physical therapy will be an important part of their recovery process to help regain strength and mobility in their spine. The patient will need to follow a strict post-operative care plan, including restrictions on physical activity and lifting heavy objects.

Overall, the goal of pediatric scoliosis surgery is to correct the curvature of the spine and improve the patient’s quality of life. With proper care and follow-up, most patients can expect to see significant improvements in their symptoms and overall spine alignment after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How common is Vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients with scoliosis who are preparing for surgery?
  2. What are the risk factors for Vitamin D deficiency in these patients?
  3. How does Vitamin D deficiency impact the success and recovery of scoliosis surgery?
  4. What steps can be taken to address and correct Vitamin D deficiency before surgery?
  5. Are there any specific recommendations for Vitamin D supplementation or dietary changes for pediatric scoliosis patients?
  6. How does the season or time of year affect Vitamin D levels in these patients?
  7. Are there any differences in Vitamin D levels based on the type of scoliosis or surgical procedure being performed?
  8. How important is it to address and correct Vitamin D deficiency in pediatric scoliosis patients before surgery?
  9. What are the potential consequences of having low Vitamin D levels before scoliosis surgery?
  10. Are there any additional factors or considerations that should be taken into account regarding Vitamin D levels in pediatric scoliosis patients undergoing surgery?

Reference

Authors: Mayes T, Anadio JM, Sturm PF. Journal: Spine Deform. 2017 Nov;5(6):369-373. doi: 10.1016/j.jspd.2017.03.008. PMID: 29050711