Ayurveda in the Management of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of Femoral Head: A Case Report

Abstract

Avascular Necrosis (AVN) is the death of bone components due to interruption of the blood supply, also known as osteonecrosis or ischemic necrosis . The disease is initially painless but gradually progresses with increasing pain that affects daily activities. In modern medicine AVN is managed by the use of corticosteroids and many surgical procedures. In Ayurveda, AVN of the femur head can be co-related to Asthimajjagata vata, based on similar signs and symptoms. The present case report is a single case study of a 32 years old male patient who approached with pain and stiffness in the left hip joint associated with difficulty in walking, sitting and performing routine activities for 8months. Magnetic resonance imaging”(MRI)” findings were suggestive of Grade 2 AVN of left hip joint. The patient was admitted for 45 days and underwent panchakarma procedures including snehana, virechana, bastikarma along with shamana oushadhies and physiotherapy exercises. As a result of the treatment protocol, there was a marked improvement in the Oxford Hip Score from 12 to 35 and in the range of motion of the left hip as assessed by Goniometry. In addition, pain levels reduced significantly with the Visual Analogue Scale from 8 to 2 leading to an overall improvement in the patient’s quality of life. Based on the encouraging results, it can be presumed that a customized Ayurvedic treatment protocol adopted in the management of AVN shows promising outcomes. Conservative management of AVN through Ayurvedic principles provides significant relief and improves quality of life.