Normalization of Varus/Valgus Deformities in Osteoarthritis by External Application of Phytoconstituents: Confirmed With Anatomical Observations and Biochemical Profiles and Radiological Images

Apurba Ganguly

doi:10.4172/2161-0940.1000224

Abstract

In India, a large number of patients are suffering with genu varum deformities during osteoarthritic (OA) changes in their knee joints. The malaligned knees are either varus (bow-legged) or valgus (knock-kneed) alignment. When the distal part is more medial, it is called varus deformity (≤178o) while the distal part is more lateral, it is called valgus deformity (≥182o). In OA changes of knee-joints, relieving of pain only was achieved temporarily by using medicinal plants based on traditional knowledge. However, correction of malalignment of genu varum by phytotherapeutic protocols has not been attempted as yet. The study was conducted on 196 patients (male: 65 and female: 131) aged ≥ 50 years old for genu varum deformities, normalized by the topical application of phytotherapeutic treatment protocol. To detect the normalization, anatomical measurements and biochemical parameters along with radiological images are being studied before (0 sitting) and after 42 sittings of the treatment. The present results clearly reveal that normalization of genu varum deformities are achieved by topical application of phytoconstituents (aqueous extracts) from acknowledged Indian medicinal plants (Cissus quadrangularis, Heliotropium indicum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Calotropis gigantea) with specialized treatment paradigm, within forty-two sittings. It is a pioneering study for complete recovery of malalignment of genu varum by phytotherapy, which can be an alternative novel method for normalization of genu varum. The present research is corroborated by before and after anatomical observations, biochemical parameters and radiological images.

Highlights

In the human anatomical morphology, both the knees are delicate and complex joints, which are connected between femur and tibia with a supportive bone known as fibula connected with thick tibia
The present results indicate the recovery of muscles strength and power after studying anatomical measurements, range of motions both in flexions and extensions in different postural positions for both the legs having genu varum as shown in the radiological images on both knee joints as compared to the patients at the baseline (° sitting) and at 42nd sitting of treatment
OA changes in knee joints, which are basically established painkillers, hyaluronic acid injection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications etc. and total knee replacement [36,37,38,39], but till date none of the researchers have successfully documented the rectification of genu varum in OA changes for knee joints of patients aged ≥ 5 years

Summary

Introduction

In the human anatomical morphology, both the knees are delicate and complex joints, which are connected between femur and tibia with a supportive bone known as fibula connected with thick tibia. There is another cap like bone called patella, which joins the knee in both the legs. Both anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments cross on each other connected with the knee bones, which restrict the knee from sliding forward or backward on the tibia. There are found medial and lateral collateral ligaments that support the knee from buckling sideways. Many bursae or fluid-filled sacs are found within knee joints, which support both the knee movement normally without any pain [1]

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