Avascular necrosis is the condition where bone tissue death happens because of the lack of blood supply. It is also called osteonecrosis. A tiny break in the bones happens and eventually, bone collapse happens.
So many unanticipated afflictions are brought in India, with the Covid-19 outbreak. The most notable one is Mucormycosis: the black fungus. Recently, in Mumbai, three Covid-19 recovered patients have been diagnosed with dangerous conditions. It is called avascular necrosis (AVN) or bone death. All three patients are below 40 age and are taking treatment in PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai.
Dr. Sanjay R Agarwala, who is one of the hospital’s medical practitioners published a paper. It has revealed that the AVN was found in one of three patients (36 age) almost two months after the covid-19 diagnosed. The remaining two patients age is 39 and 37. Those two are diagnosed in the same condition 57 and 55 days later the covid-19 contracting.
What is AVN?
Avascular necrosis is described by the Mayo Clinic. Because of lack of blood supply, the bone tissue damages. The AVN leads to small breaks in the bone and then collapsing of bone happens.
Predominantly, this condition is found in the hip joints and leads to bone breakages. Moreover, the smoothness in the bone losses which leads to arthritis. In 30-50 years aged persons, this condition can be seen.
In the early stages, people may not experience any symptoms other than joints pain and stiffness. This mild pain becomes severe if no treatment is taken. The signs of AVN of the hip are a pain in the groin, buttock areas. If you are suffering from these then seeking medical attention is advised. Not only the hip, but the same condition can also be found in the shoulder, foot, hand, and knee.
Causes of AVN
The doctors are unable to answer why those patients have AVN. Some said that the AVN may be due to the steroids that are used in Covid-19 therapy. The common cause of AVN is noted as a high amount of doses of corticosteroids like prednisone. The lipid levels in the blood increase and the blood flow disruption happen with the corticosteroids.
The above said one is not only the cause for AVN. Injuries such as dislocated joints may also do damage to blood vessels. Even Cancer treatments that are having radiation may also make the bones weaker. The fat deposits in the body could also block tiny blood vessels, which results in blood supply limitation. The reduction in blood flow to the bones can also happen with Anemia or Gaucher’s disease.
If a person is taking excessive alcohol over a longer time period then the risk of AVN developing increases. Fat deposits will be formed in blood vessels with heavy drinking.
The medications that are used to increase bone density might be the reason for the osteonecrosis. But this one is a rare case. But it can be found in patients using cancer-related medicines in high doses.
