Steroid use during Covid linked to rise in hip joint damage | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Nearly 12% of the total damaged hip joint cases coming to doctors were found to have a history of being given strong doses of steroids for the treatment of Covid-19.The finding was highlighted at the 21st Annual National Conference of the Indian Arthroplasty Association (IAACON 2025) held in Lucknow. Experts said a growing number of post-Covid patients are reporting severe hip joint damage, medically known as Avascular Necrosis (AVN) or “bone death.” The delayed side effects of excessive steroid use are pain, stiffness and restricted movement, often requiring surgery. Organising secretary Dr Sandeep Kapoor said: “During the pandemic, many patients were administered high doses of steroids to suppress the immune system that went haywire due to the novel coronavirus infection. In severe infection, it used to trigger a cytokine storm, which is a pathological reaction in which the innate immune system causes an uncontrolled response. Now, four to five years later, nearly 10-12% of hip replacement surgeries are for patients whose joints were damaged due to steroid use.” Dr Vijay Bose explained that AVN occurs when blood supply to the hip bone is disrupted, leading to tissue death, arthritis and eventual joint collapse. Steroids can also damage blood vessels. He added that besides steroid-induced AVN, fractures, arthritis and poor bone healing are also common causes for hip replacement while excessive alcohol consumption can similarly damage the hip joint over time. The conference brought together over 500 national and international orthopaedic experts, including Dr SKS Marya (Delhi), Dr Vijay Bose (Chennai), Dr Sanjeev Jain (Mumbai), and Dr Neil P Seth (US), to discuss new technologies, implant designs and rehabilitation methods in joint replacement surgery. Dr Marya said: “Patients with hip problems often face difficulty walking, squatting or even turning while sleeping. These are typical signs of arthritis or AVN.” He noted that in younger patients, arthritis can result from obesity, genetic factors, or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, stressing that early diagnosis can prevent severe damage. Dr Sanjeev Jain and Dr Neil P Seth advised avoiding unnecessary steroid use and limiting alcohol intake to prevent long-term hip joint damage. Scientific sessions at the conference focused on advanced surgical techniques, including the Direct Anterior Approach, a “muscle-sparing” method demonstrated at KGMU. This approach involves minimal muscle cutting, allowing faster recovery and fewer complications. Another key topic discussed was revision surgery, performed when a previous hip replacement develops complications or the implant fails.
