Conservative Treatment of Stages 1–2 Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head Associated with COVID-19

The aim of thisstudy is to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment for early stages of avascular necrosis of the femoral head associated with COVID-19 and early diagnosis using perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. A retrospective cohort study was conductedinvolving 205 patients (mean age 32.8±11.6 years) who underwent comprehensive treatment, including pharmacotherapy (zoledronic acid, anticoagulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and agents for improving microcirculation), physiotherapy, and hirudotherapy. Diagnosis was confirmed using radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and multislice computed tomography. Functional status was assessed with the Modified Harris Hip Score and the Visual Analog Scale for pain. Following treatment, significant improvement in functional outcomes was observed: Modified Harris Hip Score increased from 60.3±5.7 to 85.2±7.3, while Visual Analog Scale decreased from 8.3±1.6 to 2.5±1.3 (p