Abstract Detail

Abstract

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled an array of severe post-infection complications, including osteomyelitis and osteonecrosis, particularly in individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes and immunosuppression. Contributory factors, including steroid therapy and secondary infections like mucormycosis, significantly compromise bone vascularization, leading to necrosis. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a high-resolution modality for characterizing these bone pathologies.
Objective: To systematically analyze CBCT imaging features of osteomyelitis and osteonecrosis in post-COVID-19 patients, with a focus on the patterns, extent, and anatomical distribution of bone involvement.
Materials and Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional retrospective study evaluated CBCT data from SARS-CoV-2-positive patients exhibiting bone alterations over a one-year period (August 2020–April 2022). Inclusion criteria encompassed confirmed post-COVID-19 cases with radiographic evidence of bony changes. Exclusion criteria ruled out odontogenic-induced osteomyelitis and incomplete imaging records. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v22.0 and Microsoft Excel to assess patterns of bone involvement and identify differences across the three COVID-19 waves.
Preliminary Results: As the study is currently underway, Initial findings indicate significant bone destruction in the maxilla and mandible in mucormycosis cases, while non-mucor avascular necrosis shows distinct patterns. Variations in presentation were observed across COVID-19 waves.
Conclusion: CBCT imaging reveals characteristic patterns of bone involvement in post-COVID-19 patients. These findings could enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for SARS-CoV-2-related bone complications. Future research directions should aim to explore the clinical correlation of these imaging findings and their prognostic implications.

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