Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF AVASCULAR NECROSIS (AVN) IN AYURVEDA: A CASE STUDY

Stebin Anto*, Neelakanta J. Sajjanar and Gopala Krishna G.

Abstract

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is the death of bone tissue due to loss of blood supply, therefore also called as ischemic bone necrosis. AVN of the femur head is the most common type of necrosis because the artery supplying to that area is very narrow which easily gets injured followed by dislocation or a sub-capital fracture which leads to lack of nourishment resulting in necrosis. The contemporary line of management relies on surgical intervention which is very expensive. According to the principles of Ayurveda, pathogenesis of AVN can be better managed on the lines of Vatarakta chikitsa. In this present case, a 25-year-old female diagnosed with AVN of bilateral hip joint associated with subchondral fracture, was managed by the line of Vatarakta chikitsa. The patient was evaluated for improvements in gait, pain, tenderness, and range of movement. The conservative management of AVN using Ayurvedic principles effectively alleviated symptoms and enhanced the patient's quality of life.

Keywords: Avascular necrosis (AVN), Osteonecrosis, Basti, Sarvanga Dhara, Vatarakta.