High incidence of low serum vitamin D concentration in patients with hip fracture.

The study of 82 consecutive hip fracture patients (22 males and 60 females) and 185 various controls showed that low serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 (25-OD-D3) concentration was common in the hip fracture patients, who in addition were old, incapable of independent daily life, had poor dietary habits, reduced nutritional status, and spent insufficient time in sunlight. The most usual mechanisms of trauma were minor indoor falls. Osteoporosis was common and associated with low 25-OH-D3. Hypocalcemia was more common in hip fracture patients than in controls. Increased serum alkaline phosphatase was not a specific feature in hip fracture patients. The results suggest that vitamin D supplementation is indicated in elderly disabled people.