Efficacy of Ayurvedic treatment in the management of Avascular Necrosis - A Case Study

Abstract

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a rare skeletal disease that typically manifests as hip joint or lower pelvic pain. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a condition in which there is limited collateral circulation and the blood supply to the head of the femur is disrupted, resulting in ischemic and subsequent necrosis. In India about 16000 peoples develops AVN of femoral head every year. In modern medicine treatment of AVN includes NSAID, bone grafting and replacement of hip joints. There is no specific conservative medicine in modern medical science for AVN yet.  In Ayurveda all musculoskeletal diseases are considered under Vatavyadhi. Symptoms of AVN are similar to Lakshana of Asthimajjagata Vata described by Charak. The present case report is subjected to assess the efficacy of Ayurvedic protocol in the management of femoral head of AVN. A 35 years old male patient presented with Pain and stiffness at the left hip joint. Limited range of motion of the effected joint for 2 years. After reviewing all investigations including MRI, this case was diagnosed as left sided grade AVN of the femoral head. The patient was administrated with Panchatiktaksheer Basti (200ml) for 8 days then Dashmoolasiddha Majja Basti (100ml) for 21 days. The follow-up was done for 1 month. After therapeutic intervention significant improvements were noticed such as reduction in VAS scale and improvement in movements of hip joints. The present case study documents that Shaman Aushadh along with Basti therapy can be effective in AVN and improve the quality of life of patient.