Ayurvedic Management of Avascular Necrosis of head of Femur: A Case Report

Abstract

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) is a pathological condition characterised by a reduction in the blood supply to the subchondral bone, leading to the degenerative condition of the bone, marked by the death of cellular components of the bone. It is also known as osteonecrosis. The epiphysis of long bones at weight-bearing joints is typically affected. All of these conditions have a poor prognosis. In Ayurveda, it corresponds to Asthivahastrotodushtivikara (musculoskeletal disorder) as there is kshaya (necrosis) of asthi (bone) and Majja (bone marrow) dhatu (major structural components of the body). In modern medicine, AVN is managed by the use of corticosteroids and many surgical procedures such as drilling, insertion of prosthetics, or bone grafts. Therefore, Ayurveda provides a conservative line of treatment based on the principle of Asthi-majjagatkashaya (decalcification of bone) caused by abhighatajanyavataprakopa (trauma). A case of AVN with the right femoral head was treated with shaman (oral medications), Sodhana (bio-purification), and bruhmana (rejuvenation) procedures. The therapy provided significant improvements in pain and range of movement of the hip joint, based on the patient’s signs and symptoms before and after treatment. Conservative treatment can give outstanding results, improve the quality of life, halt disease progression, and help manage AVN by tissue regeneration without harmful effects.