Gainesville, FL - Dr. Jessica McQuerry, a renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon at the University of Florida, has recently been spotlighted in Newsweek and at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2024 National Conference & Exhibition for her pioneering research on the impact of vitamin D on pediatric fracture healing.
In her study, Dr. McQuerry and her team examined the healing times of fractures in children with varying levels of vitamin D. The research, featured in Newsweek, revealed a significant link between low vitamin D levels and extended healing periods. Children with insufficient vitamin D experienced notably longer recovery times, both clinically and radiographically.
Dr. McQuerry's findings were also presented at the AAP conference in Orlando, Florida, where she emphasized the importance of monitoring and addressing vitamin D levels in pediatric patients. Her research reviewed 187 fractures among 166 patients, demonstrating that low vitamin D levels were consistently associated with delayed healing, regardless of the need for surgical intervention.
For leg fractures that didn't require surgery, the difference was stark. Children with low vitamin D levels needed an extra 20 days for clinical healing – that's nearly three weeks of additional recovery time. Even more striking was the difference in radiographic healing, where signs of the fracture disappearing on X-rays took two months longer in the vitamin D-deficient group.
The disparity was even more pronounced in cases requiring surgery. Here, clinical healing took an extra month, while radiographic evidence of healing lagged by nearly four months in children with low vitamin D levels.
This research has underscored the critical role of vitamin D in bone health and healing, prompting a renewed focus on ensuring children receive adequate nutrition and sunlight exposure. Dr. McQuerry advocates for increased outdoor activities and a diet rich in vitamin D to support optimal bone health in children.
Dr. McQuerry's work is paving the way for improved pediatric care, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals and practical advice for parents. Her dedication to advancing pediatric orthopedic research continues to make a significant impact on the field, enhancing outcomes for young patients.