The Impacts of COVID-19 on Musculoskeletal Health

Abstract

Purpose of review: Although COVID-19 was originally characterized as a respiratory disease, recent findings have shown lingering side effects in those who have recovered, and much is still unknown about the long-term consequences of the illness. Thus, the potential of unearthing multi-system dysfunction is high, with current data revealing significant impacts on musculoskeletal health.

Recent findings: Multiple animal models of COVID-19 infection have revealed significant post-infection bone loss at several different skeletal sites. While how this loss occurred is unknown, this current review discusses the primary bone loss studies, and examines the possible mechanisms of action including: direct infection of bone marrow macrophages or hematopoietic progenitors, a proinflammatory response as a result of the COVID-19 induced cytokine storm, and/or a result of hypoxia and oxidative stress. This review will further examine how therapeutics used to treat COVID-19 affect the skeletal system. Finally, this review will examine the possible consequence that delayed care and limited healthcare accessibility has on musculoskeletal-related patient outcomes. It is important to investigate the potential impact COVID-19 infection has on musculoskeletal health.