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Linking Vitamin D Deficiency and Orthopaedic Injuries

Pekka Mooar, MD, Temple University Hospital orthopaedic surgeon, has conducted research that further strengthens the proposed link between vitamin D deficiency and orthopaedic injury.

Dr. Mooar reported that, in his clinical practice, he has found that a substantial number of patients with orthopaedic injury also have severely low vitamin D levels.

"Vitamin D is an essential element for bone healing and bone health," Dr. Mooar explained. "The problem is, people aren't getting the vitamin D they need."

Dr. Mooar cited a number of factors for declining vitamin D levels, including patient aversion to regular milk (high in fat but also high in vitamin D) and sun exposure (potentially dangerous but necessary for vitamin D conversion).

According to Dr. Mooar, some orthopaedic issues may be prevented if patients simply take a daily vitamin D supplement. Dr. Mooar shared his findings during the recent American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting.

To schedule an appointment with a Temple Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine physician, click here or call 1-800-TEMPLE-MED (1-800-836-7536).

Date Published: Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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