Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF FEMORAL HEAD – A CASE STUDY

Dr. Jyothi Rapolu*, Dr. K. Laxmikantham and Dr. K. V. Ram Subba Rao

Abstract

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a crippling disorder, characterized by death of osseous cell due to vascular compromise, which leads to eventual collapse of bone tissue with its overlying joint surface. It has various etiological factors. AVN can affect any bone in the body but the most common one is femoral head (FH). The most common symptoms of AVN-FH are pain and stiffness of hip joint, radiating pain in groin, gluteal, thigh, knee regions and development of limp during walking. Diagnosis is done with the aid of imaging procedures. It is a progressive disorder with surgical intervention as the prime choice. From Ayurvedic perspective, Avascular necrosis may fall under Asthi majja gata vata. In present case study a male patient of 36 yrs diagnosed as AVN- FH (bilateral) who also underwent Core Decompression surgery with no symptomatic relief, had been treated with Shamana drugs along with Panchakarma procedures for 6 weeks. Special gradation of the symptoms had been used to assess the effectiveness of treatment. There was significant improvement in the clinical condition of the patient. Conservative management of Avascular necrosis through Ayurveda provides better relief and improves quality of life.

Keywords: Avascular necrosis, Asthimajja gata vata, Shamana drugs, Panchakarma.