Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 16 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 221-230
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260525
Prevalence of Avascular Necrosis of Hip Joints on MRI in Post-COVID Patients in Tertiary Rural Hospital of Maharashtra, India
Devendra Kulkarni1, Poonam Dabhade2, Durgesh Jadhav3
1,2,3Department of Radio-diagnosis, SMBT Institute of Medical Sciences and Research centre, Nashik, India
Corresponding Author: Devendra Kulkarni
ABSTRACT
Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip is a progressive condition resulting from disruption of blood supply to the femoral head, leading to bone death and joint collapse. In the post-COVID-19 era, increasing cases of AVN have been reported, potentially related to corticosteroid use, hypercoagulability, and systemic inflammation. Early detection using MRI is essential for timely diagnosis and management.
Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary rural hospital in Maharashtra, India, including 300 post-COVID patients who underwent MRI of the hip joint from 2021 to 2024. Patients with hip pain and a history of COVID-19 infection were included, while those with pre-existing AVN or other known causes were excluded. Data regarding demographic factors, comorbidities, steroid use, and MRI findings were analyzed. AVN was graded using the Ficat and Arlet classification.
Results: AVN was detected in 210 patients, giving a prevalence of 70%. Most cases were in Stage II (30%), followed by Stage III (18%) and Stage IV (11.67%). Significant associations were observed between AVN and steroid use, age group, and comorbidities (p < 0.0001), whereas no significant association was found with gender (p = 0.92).
Conclusion: AVN is highly prevalent in post-COVID patients with hip pain. MRI plays a crucial role in early detection and staging. Early screening in high-risk patients is essential to prevent disease progression.
Key words: Avascular necrosis, COVID-19, MRI, hip joint, Ficat staging.