What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed hospital records to see whether COVID-19 was linked to more cases of avascular necrosis (AVN), a condition where bone tissue dies from poor blood supply.
What They Found
This retrospective cohort study found a significant increase in AVN cases among patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy after the COVID-19 pandemic began, compared with before. Patients treated in the post-pandemic period showed more femoral head involvement and more advanced stages of AVN than those treated earlier. The authors suggest that COVID-19 and high-dose steroid use may raise the risk of developing AVN. The abstract does not report specific patient counts, percentages, or statistical test results.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This is a retrospective, single-center study that does not report patient numbers or statistical detail, which limits how strongly the COVID-19 to AVN link can be confirmed.