The effects of vitamin D and microfracture surgery technique on calcium and phosphorus: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D has an important effect on calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism and bone health. It helps regulate the ratio of Ca and P. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D and minor surgical stress on Ca and P levels in the liver, kidneys, and serum in 24 New Zealand rabbits with cartilage defects.
METHODS: Experimental groups of MFS (only microfracture surgery), Vit D (only oral vitamin D supplementation), and MFS+Vit D (both microfracture surgery and oral vitamin D supplementation) were created. The levels of Ca and P in serum, liver, and kidney samples were measured using a spectrophotometric method.
RESULTS: The kidney Ca/P ratio was lower and the serum Ca/P ratio was higher in the MFS+Vit D groups than in the control group. The serum P level was significantly lower in the MFS and MFS+Vit D groups when compared with the control group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is a novel study examining microfracture surgery and the effect on Ca and P. The Ca/P ratio revealed clinically valuable information about the important balance between Ca/P ratio and the adequacy of vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation before microfracture surgery may be beneficial and may prevent a de creased Ca/P ratio due to the effect of surgical stress.