Does COVID-19 Cause Avascular Necrosis? New!

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has been associated with an increased risk of avascular necrosis (AVN), which affects various joints such as the hip, vertebrae, knee, and jaw. Understanding AVN's pathogenesis and risk factors as a consequence of COVID-19 is essential for improving treatment and identifying preventive measures. This retrospective cohort study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on AVN etiology and raise awareness among clinicians. The study analyzed patients diagnosed with AVN and treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Gülhane Training and Research Hospital from January 2018 to January 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups: those admitted before the pandemic (control group) and those admitted after (study group). The results showed a significant increase in AVN cases during the post-pandemic period, with a higher incidence of femoral head involvement and more advanced stages of AVN in patients with a history of COVID-19. The findings suggest that COVID-19 and high-dose steroid use may increase AVN risk, highlighting the need for careful steroid management and monitoring for joint pain in these patients. Further research is recommended to explore the link between COVID-19 and AVN, the duration of symptoms, and the prognostic implications.