COVID-19: After Black Fungus, Bone Death Cases Confirmed In India

Avascular necrosis, or death of bone tissues, is the next threat faced by post-Covid patients. Doctors fear bone death could be the next dreadful condition in post-coronavirus patients after the deadly outbreak of Black fungus in India. Three confirmed cases of avascular necrosis have been reported from Mumbai. Medical experts believe that more such cases will be detected in the coming months.

The use of steroids to cure Coronavirus is the common link between Black Fungus and Bone Deaths. Covid patients treated with steroids during a long hospital stay are the ones to be affected. AVN develops five to 12 months after exposure to steroids. As during the second wave steroids were used indiscriminately, cases will start rising in a month or two.

As reported by sources to TOI, three young patients from Hinduja hospital, Mumbai developed avascular necrosis two months after they were treated for coronavirus infection. All three were under 40 and had developed pain in their femur bone, and soon they were diagnosed with avascular necrosis. They were soon rushed for treatment. Since the three patients sought treatment early, they didn’t require surgery.

Here is all you need to know about Avascular Necrosis:

The use of steroids to cure Coronavirus is the common link between Black Fungus and Bone Deaths. Covid patients treated with steroids during a long hospital stay are the ones to be affected.

What is Avascular necrosis?

Avascular necrosis is a disease where the blood supply to the bone gets disrupted temporarily or permanently. It can lead to tiny breaks in the bone, causing the bone’s eventual collapse. The condition is most commonly seen in people aged between 30 and 50. Treatments for the disease include physiotherapy, surgery, and medication.

Symptoms for Avascular necrosis:

Initially, there are no symptoms. But soon joints of several body parts start paining. You should see your doctor if you have persistent pain in the hip, shoulder, knee, hand, and feet.

More cases expected soon:

Doctors say cases of AVN are expected to rise in the next few months. As the condition occurs five to six months after steroid use. The second COVID-19 wave’s peak was in April when steroids were liberally used to treat patients. So the nation will soon see rise in the cases.

Though the second wave of coronavirus is declining, medical experts in the country strongly believe that a third wave of the Covid pandemic could hit the country soon. An SBI report has predicted that the Third Wave will begin from August and peak by September in India. The only way to curb it is through vaccination.

Also Read: SBI Report: India’s Third COVID-19 Wave From August, Peak In September