Is post-COVID osteonecrosis of jaw (PCONJ) Masquerading as osteomyelitis ? A largest unicentric report of 13 cases

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the correlation between COVID-19 infection and jaw osteonecrosis, along with the identification of risk factors that could be associated with the development of the condition. Another aim of our study is to establish whether maxillofacial osteonecrosis is an early or late complication seen in COVID-19 patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a retrospective study conducted over a period of two years. Case records of patients with a history of severe COVID and steroid treatment who later developed jaw osteonecrosis were evaluated. RESULT: 13 patients with an age range from 8 years to 70 years were identified. Osteonecrosis was seen as late as 21 months after COVID-19. The majority of the cases involved maxilla, one case was of bi-jaw involvement, and one case presented with isolated mandibular involvement. 6 patients were diabetic and 11 patients gave a history of provocative dental treatment like extraction. CONCLUSION: A triad of post-COVID coagulopathy, steroid administration, and a provocative dental treatment may contribute to jaw osteonecrosis which may be seen in patients without pre-existing systemic illness and may present as late as 21 months after COVID-19.