As the dust begins to settle in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-lasting effects are starting to emerge, and one such effect is ‘Long COVID’. Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central recently encountered an increasing number of patients reporting with Avascular Necrosis (AVN) or bone death, which is now being considered an effect of Long COVID.
Two such cases, Mr. Dhananjay Vasant Wagaskar, 38, and Ms. Ragini Yadav, 26, came to Wockhardt Hospitals with pain in the groin and hip joint regions. Both were diagnosed with AVN of the Hip joint on MRI Imaging.
AVN of the Hip results from a loss of blood supply to the femoral head. The condition causes the bone tissue to die, and without proper blood flow, the femoral head collapses and flattens. Post-COVID-19, several hospitals have reported a surge in AVN cases. The exact link between COVID-19 and AVN is still being researched.
At Wockhardt Hospitals, Dr. Mudit Khanna, a Senior Consultant in Orthopaedics, highlighted the need for early diagnosis through MRI scans as X-rays may not detect AVN in the initial stages. He also stressed the effectiveness of Total Hip Replacement Surgery for relieving pain and improving mobility in AVN patients.
The hospital has had a successful run in treating patients with AVN through Total Hip Replacement Surgery. Patients underwent surgery with Ceramic bearings and had a fast recovery, enabling them to return to their normal lives.
This highlights the need for vigilance and innovation in tackling the long-term effects of COVID-19.
