Vitamin D deficiency does not associate with anterior cruciate ligament injuries in elite athletes

Abstract

Objectives: Recently, low levels of Vitamin D levels in sportspersons are observed by many studies. However, the role of low Vitamin D levels on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is not well studied. The purpose of this study was to find out the correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and ACL injury. Materials and Methods: This is a case–control study in which 55 athletes were enrolled in both cases (ACL deficient) and controls (ACL intact). Serum Vitamin D levels were measured in both the groups (preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively) and depending on the Vitamin D levels, athletes were categorized as Vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficient (>30 ng/mL). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score and Tegner activity score at 12 months follow-up. Results: Overall, 91% of cases and 93% of controls were observed to be Vitamin D deficient or insufficient (n.s.). There was no significant difference among mean Vitamin D levels in cases (16.34 ± 11.89 ng/mL) and controls (18.08 ± 9.9; n.s.). There was no significant difference in post-operative function outcomes (Lysholm score) between the three groups among cases at 12 months follow-up (n.s.). Conclusion: The presence of low Vitamin D levels is not a risk factor for ACL injuries and low Vitamin D levels are not a hindrance to recovery after ACL reconstruction.