Femur head necrosis as a post-acute sequela of Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2 infection)

Abstract

Introduction While the COVID-19 pandemic may still be ongoing, we have simultaneously entered into the post-acute phase of COVID-19, which comes with its own challenges. This case series reports 11 patients of COVID-19 treated with corticosteroids who subsequently developed osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Methods All consecutive patients diagnosed on MRI with ONFH from August 2020 to May 2021 and were retrospectively COVID-19 positive were included. The treatment administered for COVID-19 was retrieved and evaluated. The patients were managed for femoral head necrosis, and results were reported. Results Overall, 11 patients developed ONFH in a total of 16 hips. The severity of femoral head necrosis depended on the dose of corticosteroid administered during COVID-19. A high dose for a longer duration resulted in a higher ONFH stage (FICAT & Arlet ). Hips in the lower grade were treated conservatively, and in the higher grade were treated surgically. The follow-up scores of patients demonstrated steady improvement. Conclusions High suspicion of femoral head necrosis has to be considered in patients treated with corticosteroids for COVID-19 as it can aid in early detection and early intervention to preserve the native femoral head.

Keywords

• femur head necrosis
• post-acute covid-19 syndrome
• case series
• covid-19