The effect of vitamin D insufficiency on outcomes and complication rates after shoulder arthroplasty: a single center retrospective examination.

Background: The impact of hypovitaminosis D in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty has yet to be fully determined. Our study aims to assess postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, and evaluate the association between preoperative vitamin D level and postoperative outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty, anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty between 2012 and 2022 at a single institution was performed. Outcomes including readmission, reoperation, mortality, and medical complications, as well as preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), pain scores, and functional outcome scores, were examined. Results: Between September 2012 and September 2022, 576 shoulder arthroplasties were performed at our institution, of which 94 patients had preoperative vitamin D levels recorded; 35.11% were deficient with vitamin D levels under 20 mg/mL, 29.79% were insufficient and had vitamin D levels between 20 and 29 mg/mL, and 35.11% had levels considered sufficient. There was no statistically significant association between vitamin D levels and complications on univariable analysis ( Conclusion: The association between lower vitamin D levels and worse postoperative outcomes or increased rate of short-term complications was not supported by our study. For patients without osteoporosis, a recorded low vitamin D level at the time of surgery was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications or poor postoperative outcome. Randomized controlled trials investigating the association between vitamin D and postoperative outcomes are needed. Level of evidence: Level III; Retrospective Case Control Study.