Mechanisms of musculoskeletal consequences of COVID-19

Introduction A coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, called COVID-19 by the WHO has caused a pandemic of respiratory illness killed more than 6 million people. The severe infection has a significant negative impact on the entire musculoskeletal system.

The objective was to summarize literature data on the mechanisms of the condition and identify musculoskeletal symptoms of COVID-19.

Material and methods An internet search of PubMed, MedLine and eLIBRARY library databases using the search terms: COVID-19, aseptic osteonecrosis, post-COVID-19 syndrome, arthropathy, musculoskeletal system, spondylitis, osteoporosis was performed.

Results and discussion Musculoskeletal symptoms of COVID-19 are reported in 31-59% of cases. Mechanisms of musculoskeletal involvement of coronavirus infection include cytotoxic effect of the virus on osteogenesis cells, vascular inflammation and coagulopathy, “cytokine storm”, side effects of drug therapy and hypoxia. According to an etiological factor, musculoskeletal manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 include autoimmune (reactive arthritis, sacroiliitis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis) conditions caused by impaired circulation of bone tissue (aseptic osteonecrosis), infectious (septic arthritis, spondylitis, spondylodiscitis) and metabolic (osteopenia, osteoporosis) conditions.

Conclusion It has been established that COVID-19 infection has a negative impact on the musculoskeletal, endocrine and immune systems increasing the risk of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system and infectious complications in orthopaedic patients early post surgery.

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