Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a feared outcome of many pulmonary diseases which results in a reduction in lung compliance and capacity. The development of PF is relatively rare, but it can occur secondary to viral pneumonia, especially COVID-19 infection. While COVID-19 infection and its complications are still under investigation, we can look at a similar outbreak in the past to gain better insight as to the expected long-term outcomes of COVID-19 patient lung function. In the current article, we review the literature relative to PF via PubMed. We also performed a literature search for COVID-related pathological changes in the lungs. Finally, the paper was reviewed and summarized based on the studies’ integrity, relative, or power calculations. This article provides a narrative review that endeavors to elucidate the current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PF and therapeutic strategies. We also discussed the potential for preventing progression to the fibrotic state within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the massive scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect there should more instances of PF due to COVID-19 infection. Patients who survive severe COVID-19 infection may suffer from a high incidence of PF.

Fibrosis continues to challenge the regeneration and repair of the Orthopaedic tissues in states of injury or disease. The mechanism behind developmental fibrosis has been widely investigated in the last few decades. However, the current efficacy of treatment for existing fibrous scars remains insufficient from both basic research and clinical perspectives. Scarred fibrotic tissue impedes the physical function of affected local tissues and organs and may also be associated with abnormal pain conduction or tissue reinjury. It is necessary to discover the functional treatment for fibrous scars as this pathology is medically demanding to effected patients. The current article will review the mechanisms behind fibrosis formation and the treatment potential in the field of the musculoskeletal system, especially in the pathology and treatment of injured skeletal muscle and the development of osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a feared outcome of many pulmonary diseases results in a reduction in lung compliance and capacity. The development of PF is relatively rare, but it can occur secondary to viral pneumonia, especially COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE While COVID-19 infection and its complications are still under investigation, we can look at a similar outbreak in the past to gain better insight as to the expected long-term outcomes of COVID-19 patient lung function. METHODS We review literature relative to PF via PubMed. We also performed a literature search for COVID-related pathological changes in the lungs. Finally, the paper was reviewed and summarized based on the studies' integrity, relative, or power calculations. RESULTS With the massive scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect there should more instances of PF due to COVID-19 infection. Patients who survive severe COVID-19 infection may suffer from a high incidence of PF. CONCLUSIONS This article reviews the current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PF and therapeutic strategies. We also discussed the potential for preventing progression to the fibrotic state within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.