Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part C (2024)

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder, and vitamin D deficiency is a potential modifiable risk factor. This study aimed to assess the association between serum vitamin D levels and knee OA in adults and evaluate the effect of vitamin D therapy on OA progression.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included 100 patients with knee OA, aged 40-100 years, who met specific inclusion criteria. Patients were diagnosed with primary OA, and serum vitamin D levels were classified as deficient (< 20 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml), or normal (≥ 30 ng/ml). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was used to assess symptom severity. Patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months to assess changes in X-rays, vitamin D levels, and WOMAC scores.

Results: At baseline, 54% of patients were vitamin D deficient, 40% were insufficient, and 6% had normal levels. By the second follow-up, 98% had normal levels. The mean vitamin D level increased significantly over time (p<0.01). The mean WOMAC score decreased significantly over time (p<0.01), indicating symptom improvement. Significant differences were found in mean ages and vitamin D levels according to Kellgren-Lawrence grading in unilateral and bilateral cases.

Conclusion: This study found a significant association between serum vitamin D levels and knee OA risk. Vitamin D therapy improved vitamin D levels and reduced symptom severity over time. These findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial in preventing or slowing knee OA progression. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and establish vitamin D supplementation as a standard treatment for knee OA.