Vitamin C in orthopedic practices: Current concepts, novel ideas, and future perspectives

Abstract

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), is an important antioxidant that has been applied broadly in the field of orthopaedics. Current research on vitamin C examines the molecule's role in bone and tendon physiology, as well as joint replacement and Postoperative pain. Most laboratory and human studies associate the use of vitamin C with improved bone health and tendon healing. Recent literature moderately supports the use of vitamin C to improve functional outcomes, decreased postoperative pain, and prevent complex regional pain syndrome following orthopaedic procedures. The perioperative use of vitamin C in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is still under investigation. Overall, there is need for high-quality human trials to confirm whether vitamin C can potentiate the outcomes of orthopaedic procedures and to determine optimal dosage and means of administration to maximize its proposed benefits. The purpose of this review was to summarize the application of vitamin C in orthopaedic practices and to identify potential areas for future study.