The Role of Vitamin D in Pediatric Orthopedics

Abstract

Understanding the role of vitamin D is an important component of the proper care of the pediatric orthopedic patient. Vitamin D is an essential component of bone metabolism in the growth and development of the pediatric skeleton, which can be acutely affected by changes to the body's vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate levels, resulting in pathologic conditions such as rickets or fractures. This article reviews the main areas in which vitamin D relates to pediatric orthopedics and highlights some of the areas where future research is being directed.

Keywords: Calcium; Deficiency; Fracture risk; Pediatric orthopedics; Phosphate; Rickets; Vitamin D.