In post-COVID complications, another disorder called Avascular necrosis, also known as the death of bone tissues or 'Bone Death' has been witnessed.
Even as the world was reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic, a fatal second wave wreaked havoc in India in the month of April-May leading to medical emergencies and deaths all over. But that was not all. Despite fighting all odds the country was struck with a severe post-COVID disorder first heard of by the name of Mucormycosis or the Black Fungus.
Mucormycosis, new diabetes, blood clots, heart, respiratory and pulmonary complications, and debilitating long COVID care cases have become a cause of concern across the country.
Mucormycosis or the Black Fungus affected many and doctors termed it as a fallout of the treatment. This fungal infection mostly affected the COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay. People who were on medication got mainly affected as it reduced their ability to fight environmental pathogens.
Now, doctors have reported a new challenge inflicting COVID-19 survivors. In post-COVID complications, another disorder called Avascular necrosis (AVN) also known as the death of bone tissues or 'Bone Death' has been witnessed among those taking treatment for COVID-19.
Three confirmed cases of Bone Death have been reported in Mumbai with doctors fearing there could be a rise in such cases in the coming months.
Avascular Necrosis or 'bone death'
Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Also called osteonecrosis, it can lead to tiny breaks in the bone and the bone's eventual collapse.
A broken bone or dislocated joint can interrupt the blood flow to a section of bone. Avascular necrosis is also associated with long-term use of high-dose steroid medications and excessive alcohol intake.
Anyone can be affected, but the condition is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis
Many people have no symptoms in the early stages of avascular necrosis. As the condition worsens, your affected joint might hurt only when you put weight on it.
Eventually, you might feel the pain even when you're lying down.
Pain can be mild or severe and usually develops gradually. Pain associated with avascular necrosis of the hip might centre on the groin, thigh or buttock.
Besides the hip, the areas likely to be affected are the shoulder, knee, hand, and foot.
Some people develop avascular necrosis on both sides (bilaterally) such as in both hips or in both knees.
See your doctor if you have persistent pain in any joint.
Causes of Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis occurs when blood flow to a bone is interrupted or reduced. Reduced blood supply can be caused by - joint or bone trauma, fatty deposits in blood vessels, and certain diseases.
An injury, such as a dislocated joint, might damage nearby blood vessels.
Cancer treatments involving radiation also can weaken the bone and harm blood vessels.
The fat (lipids) can block small blood vessels, reducing the blood flow that feeds bones.
Medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia and Gaucher's disease, also can cause diminished blood flow to the bone.
Doctors assert that avascular necrosis, AVM is being currently seen in patients who made a recovery from coronavirus months back.
Prevention of Avascular Necrosis
Heavy drinking is one of the top risk factors for developing avascular necrosis so limit alcohol intake.
Keep cholesterol levels low. Tiny bits of fat are the most common substance blocking the blood supply to bones.
Make sure your doctor knows about your past or present use of high-dose steroids. Steroid-related bone damage appears to worsen with repeated courses of high-dose steroids.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk.
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 "Know all about Avascular Necrosis")
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