Post Covid-19 Effect on Avascular Necrosis of Hip Joint

Abstract

Background and objectives: The exact course of Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) -2(COVID-19) and its
complications on multiorgan system are complex and still under studies. Musculoskeletal system has also been
affected post covid in various forms. This study was taken up to analyse the effects of covid-19 disease on the hip
bone and join tissue.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of ten patients was done who had been hospitalised with covid-19
infection and later complained of hip pain . They underwent MR imaging and were found to have degenerative
changes characterizing with avascular necrosis (AVN) of head of femur .One of them had history of previous
surgery of femur with PFN, doing well but developed AVN after COVID .
Results: Observation of this group showed a clear correlation among the history of COVID-19 disease in the
patients, moderately severe symptoms, high levels of IgG antibodies, and the time of occurrence of joint changes.
No other risk factors for AVN or autoimmune or degenerative diseases were found in the study group. The group
of patients responded well to empirical treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs ans supportive therapy, which
subsided acute inflammatory symptoms and pain in the joints.
Conclusions: It is concluded that there have been obvious musculoskeletal complications in covid patients
including AVN which could be attributed to the high use steroids and microembolism leading to bone necrosis.
Hence more studies and long follow-up is suggested.