Rotator cuff tears are a significant health concern that severely affect shoulder joint mobility in patients. Common clinical manifestations of RCTs include shoulder pain, limited range of motion, joint instability, muscle weakness, and functional disability. In patients with rotator cuff tears, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ranges from 8.3% to 71%. Given its critical role in muscle strength and function, vitamin D is emerging as an important factor in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, including rotator cuff injuries. Despite the promising evidence regarding vitamin D's role in muscle strength and tendon healing, the specific impact of vitamin D supplementation on postoperative rehabilitation remains unclear. Given that vitamin D deficiency is easily diagnosed and treated, it is considered a modifiable risk factor that could be utilized in orthopedic care to improve patient outcomes. Vitamin D supplementation is a cost-effective and potentially efficient intervention that may enhance muscle strength, reduce postoperative pain, and improve joint function in patients recovering from rotator cuff repair. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial, with participants receiving either a daily dose of 4000 IU of vitamin D or a placebo. The primary outcomes to be evaluated include muscle strength, postoperative pain, and joint function. Blood samples will be collected at baseline, and after 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months of supplementation to monitor the effects of vitamin D on serum levels and its correlation with clinical outcomes.
Male and female patients aged between 40 and 70 years.
Clinically and radiologically (magnetic resonance imaging) diagnosed full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears that were confirmed by arthroscopic surgery and could be surgically repaired.
Degree of supraspinatus tendon tear according to the DeOrio and Cofield grading system as moderate tear (1-3 cm) and mild tear (<1 cm).
Serum vitamin D level <30 ng/mL >20 ng/mL before rotator cuff tears surgery
Presence of other shoulder pathologies such as subscapularis tear, adhesive capsulitis, long head of biceps tendonitis, calcific tendonitis, or shoulder tumor.
Large or unrepairable rotator cuff tear (>3 cm).
Previous history of shoulder surgery or recurrent rotator cuff tears.
Combined injury to the shoulder labrum, articular cartilage or biceps tendon.