The rise in Avascular Necrosis (AVN) Cases after Covid

Patients who have recovered from covid about two-three months ago, are now showing symptoms of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) The point of concern, however, lies in the fact that even patients with no similar past condition, are now developing AVN after a few months of recovering from COVID.

So far, all the AVN patients have been under 40 years of age. These patients have been specifically experiencing 'hip pain'. This condition is referred to as Avascular Necrosis (AVN), which has a huge impact on an individual's bone & joint segment.

Avascular Necrosis (AVN)

In very direct terms, Avascular Necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, is the condition which causes bone death. A ball and socket joint in the hip area, which carries the highest weight in our body & gets maximum blood supply is impacted due to the disruption in blood supply & may result in hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the bone tissue (similar to a heart attack) causing bone death in the hip joint. This death of the bone is termed as necrosis.

(Image Adapted from upswinghealth.com)
Fig.1. Normal vs Avascular Necrosis or Osteonecrosis

To conclude the definition, Avascular Necrosis (AVN) is the condition of death of bone in a patient's hip joint because of lack of blood supply to the hip (maybe for temporarily or permanently).

AVN after COVID

The major reason behind the rising cases of AVN is the 'high dose steroid treatment' taken during COVID to improve the functioning of lungs and save lives. Post covid recovery the patients start feeling something different in their hips. The AVN after COVID condition can be detected via MRI currently.

Early detection has helped doctors to reverse the effects. The timely diagnosis has also helped doctors to subside the pain within 3-6 weeks. However, it may also take up to three years to completely treat the condition. Delayed identification & treatment makes the AVN even more progressive.

Causes of Avascular Necrosis (AVN)

Besides steroids Avascular Necrosis (AVN) can also be caused by trauma, fall, alcohol, use of immunosuppressants especially in patients who have had cancer, organ transplant, & so on.

What is surprising is the fact that 40% of AVN cases are caused due to steroids.

Stages of AVN after COVID

(Image Adapted from (Image Adapted from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteonecrosis-of-the-hip)
Fig.2. Stages of Avascular Necrosis

Orthopaedics have explained Avascular Necrosis (AVN) in the following 4 stages Grade 1, 2, 3 & 4. Avascular Necrosis (AVN) at grade 4 is total damage. From the time of diagnosis to collapse, the patient has only two years of time to take a call on treatment, because after that, their options are minimized to only hip replacement.

OSSGROW® Bone Cell Therapy: Permanent Cure of AVN

AVN has to be treated surgically only. There is no medication available for AVN, certain doctors are giving bisphosphonates which is only buying time and not curing the disease. OSSGROW®, a bone cell therapy from Regrow Biosciences is the world's only approved therapy to treat AVN. Ossgrow has completed phase 3 clinical trials in India and the product has received approval in 2017 from the Indian FDA / DCGI for commercial use. Ossgrow is also recognized by USFDA and the European medicine agency as a potential treatment for AVN. Ossgrow for AVN is available across 200 hospitals and 45 cities in India & is insurance approved as also. Over 1000 patients have already been benefited with Ossgrow Bone Cell Therapy so far.

It is a permanent & safe treatment for AVN as it can end the progression of AVN condition and is also effective in restoring mobility.

Ossgrow helps patients by eliminating the need of highly invasive total hip replacement surgery allowing the patient to resume a normal, active, & pain-free life.

Regrow Biosciences

Regrow Biosciences, Pioneer in India, & Leader in Asia is a leading biotechnology organization, focused on enhancing human healthcare by offering most advanced & innovative regenerative medicine-based solutions including OSSGROW® bone cell therapy and tissue & organ development treatments.