33 % ortho patients at Rohtak PGIMS deficient in vitamin D

Ravinder Saini

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Rohtak, May 16

More than 33 per cent of the total patients coming to the orthopedic OPD at Pt BD Sharma PGIMS here are deficient in vitamin D, with a majority of them not exposing themselves to sun and using air conditioners besides eating junk food. The deficiency leads to osteomalacia (softening of bones) and other diseases in young age.

It has been observed by the orthopedic specialists concluded this after treating more than 10,000 patients at the PGIMS. They said that over 25 per cent of the patients came to the OPD with neck and back ache problems caused by improper sitting posture, while around 5 per cent patients were found suffering from osteomalacia at a young age. Besides, patients complained of pain in shoulders and reported spine-related problems.

“As per our observations based on interaction with the patients, negligible exposure of skin to sunlight, limited outdoor activities and insufficient intake of protein such as milk, egg, etc., are the main reasons for vitamin D deficiency, which leads to loss of bone density. It also causes spine issues, which were earlier found only in elderly but youngsters too are now becoming its victim,” said Dr Pradeep Kamboj, senior professor and unit head, orthopedics department, PGIMS.

He maintained that the younger generation was falling prey to osteomalacia due to overuse of air condition and less physical activities. In this disease, the bones get weaker in early age and the risk of fractures in the bones also increases. The patient may also face issues in walking and sitting. People from urban areas were more vulnerable to osteomalacia as compared to villagers as the latter not only do physical work but also have healthy food. Consequently, the problem of osteomalacia among rural people was nominal. After the age of 60, the risk of bone fracture rises up to 80 per cent if the precautions are not taken, he added.