High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in 2-17 year olds presenting with acute fractures in southern Australia

To determine vitamin D deficiency risk and other lifestyle factors in children aged 2-17 years presenting with an acute fracture to Sunshine Hospital. A prospective observational study was undertaken using a convenience sample data collected from children aged 2-17 years of age presenting with an acute fracture. Recruitment was undertaken over a 3-month period from February to May 2014. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency (skin pigmentation, hours spent outdoors, sunscreen use and obesity) were identified. Patients providing consent, had measurements of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as