Correlation of Serum Vitamin D Levels and Incidence of Lateral Epicondylitis of the Elbow: An Observational Study in Eastern India.

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) or tennis elbow is a degenerative condition that causes pain and tenderness at the lateral aspect of the elbow, usually secondary to repetitive strain of wrist extensors. Although there is a well-defined association between musculoskeletal disorders and environmental, genetic, and lifestyle risk factors, the etiological role of Vitamin D in musculoskeletal diseases is still an area of active research. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and the incidence of LE among a population in Eastern India. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 subjects, 75 with diagnosed LE and 75 age- and sex-matched controls, were studied cross-sectionally. Serum Vitamin D concentrations were determined and calculated for the possible association with LE prevalence and severity. Results: A total of 75 cases and 75 controls were analyzed. Both groups were comparable in age and gender. Mean serum Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in cases than controls (15.3 ± 7.2 vs. 28.5 ± 10.1 ng/mL, P < 0.001), with Vitamin D deficiency more common among cases (70% vs. 22%). Serum Vitamin D level was strongly negatively correlated with LE (Pearson's r = -0.62, P < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency increased the odds for LE by over threefold (odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.8-5.6). This association remained significant across subgroups, with the highest prevalence observed in those performing repetitive upper-limb activities. Conclusion: The study showed a strong negative correlation between the low serum Vitamin D status and the occurrence of LE, implicating a possible role for Vitamin D in the pathogenesis of this disease. This emphasizes the clinical significance of Vitamin D status monitoring in at-risk subjects for LE development and its role in both preventive and therapeutic treatment.