Bone Death: COVID Survivors Facing a New Challenge

After the black and white fungus, Avascular Necrosis has become a big challenge for post-COVID patients. It is considered a complication that arises from the steroids given to the COVID patients, and the symptoms of the condition appear a few months following the diagnosis.

Patients who have recovered from COVID are at high risk of post-covid complications. The virus damages the respiratory system of a patient to a point where it becomes extremely vulnerable to other infections. Bone death or Avascular Necrosis of the bone is one such post-covid complication that has become a new worrying factor for COVID patients.

Dr. Shailendra Patil, a leading orthopedic surgeon in Thane, has seen over 5 cases of Avascular Necrosis in the past few months. Two cases had progressed to a point where total hip replacement surgery was prescribed.

Avascular Necrosis: The Symptoms and Treatment Plan

Avascular Necrosis is a serious arthritis condition in which the improper blood supply to the bones kills them gradually. This portion of the bone dies, but it does not collapse immediately as the area is surrounded by a solid structure. However, the condition is extremely painful and has a profound impact on the patient’s mobility.

If the person develops pain around the hip area and is unable to move and walk properly, they should seek immediate treatment from orthopedic specialists. The sooner the treatment is given to the AVN patient, the lesser the chances they will need surgery. Those who were given steroids to improve lung functioning are more prone to develop AVN on their hips. The easiest way to get a diagnosis for AVN is by taking the prescribed medical tests, including an MRI (as the X-rays might not give a detailed picture). Early diagnosis of Avascular Necrosis in post-covid patients increases the chances of fast recovery.

Symptoms

The symptoms are not felt at the first stage of Avascular Necrosis. Though it may kill the bones, the pain doesn’t feel too serious to be treated. In some cases, the pain from AVN goes unnoticed for several days, until the condition reaches a stage where the patient loses complete mobility.

The doctors at the orthopedic clinic in Mulund mentioned that the pain in the AVN patients is felt when they lift weights. If the condition remains untreated for long, the patient will start experiencing the pain even when lying down.

The patients who have been experiencing consistent pain around their hips must see a doctor immediately. The treatment plan depends on the stage of AVN.

Other Causes

In addition to the steroids, severe bone trauma, certain medical issues, and reduced blood flow are the common causes of Avascular Necrosis. The effect of steroids on bone health remains unknown, but studies show that it spikes lipid in the blood, which affects the blood supply.

Treatment

Usually, this medical condition is treated with medication and therapies if it’s at an early stage. The treatment options include blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and therapies. However, an invasive procedure, a total hip replacement surgery - to be precise, is needed if the patient has lost their mobility.

If AVN is neglected and not treated at the early stage, there is a chance it may reach the advanced stage where medication and other non-invasive procedures might not work.

The Connection Between AVN and COVID-19

The connection between Avascular Necrosis and fungal infection is the COVID drug, which is considered to be the only proven and tested formula for treating patients. There has been a link found between the steroids given to COVID patients and bone death. Though there can be other causes of AVN, people who have recovered from the covid infection are more prone to bone death than others.

Dr. Shailendra Patil had to operate on two patients suffering from Avascular Necrosis in the past month. The first patient is 40 years old, named Mr. Vijay, while the other one is only 28 years. In addition, the doctor gave medications and arthritis treatment on an outpatient basis to 5-6 patients the same month. These patients suffered from the early stages of arthritis.

This has become quite a worrying factor among patients who were put on steroids for recovery from COVID. The second wave of COVID had hit the economy in April 2021, which means there is a chance the doctors might see a spike in the AVN cases in the coming months.

Patients treated for COVID with steroids must check for the symptoms of AVN. Even if they experience only slight pain around the hip area, they must reach out to Dr. Shailendra Patil immediately.

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