Asian Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Objective: OA is the most common articular disease of the developed world and a leading cause of chronic disability.  Vitamin D supplementation has been known to improve knee joint pain and function in patients with OA. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of vitamin D supplements in knee joint improving pain and function in patients with OA.

Methods: 104 patients with knee OA who fulfilled inclusion criteria and consented to participate were enrolled in the study. Patients with knee OA were blinded and randomized to receive either Tab Vit D3 or an identical placebo tablet. The vitamin D3 Tab was administered in a dose of 60000U/Week for 3 months in 12 doses while the placebo tablets with identical dosing schedule were administered to the control group. The patients who received Vitamin D3 tablets were allocated to the treatment group (n=54) while those receiving the identical placebo tablets were allocated to the control group (n=50). Four patients from case group were lost to follow up.  Functional outcome score (KOOS PS score) was assessed in both groups  at  3 months, 6 months and 1 year.

Results: While baseline KOOS PS Score were comparable in the treatment and the control groups  [34.0   vs  30.0, P= 0.612], there was a statistically significant improvement in the follow-up scores in the treatment groups  at 3 mo,6mo and 1 year follow up (Provide P value ex.) *p<0.5)

Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation is effective in improving the KOOS PS (The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form) score in patients with osteoarthritis knee.