Riassunto dello studio

Seven randomized controlled trials with a total of 1361 patients suffering from orthopaedic disorders requiring surgical or conservative management therapy were included in this meta-analysis comparing supplemental oral/intravenous Vitamin C (n=797) or no therapy (n=564). The primary outcome of interest was function, which was evaluated at 3-6 and 6-12 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes included risk of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I), regardless of dosage and in Vitamin C dosage of ≥500 mg at 12 months follow-up, severity of pain at 3-6 months follow-up, and incidence of complications after surgery/trauma at 3-6 months follow-up. Subgroup analyses by fracture and non-fracture were conducted. Pooled results revealed that no significant difference was observed for function at 3-6 months and 6-12 months follow-up between the Vitamin C and placebo groups (p=0.13; p=0.97, respectively). All secondary outcomes, except for CRPS-I, were significantly favored in the Vitamin C group vs placebo at 12 months, both regardless of dosage and in patients receiving 500 mg or greater of Vitamin C (p<0.05 for all).