Management of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Using <i>Ayurvedic</i> Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Osteonecrosis, popularly also called as Avascular necrosis is defined as insufficiency in arterial feeding of the head of the femur which creates a complex of symptoms, characterized by pain, impaired function, and structural breakdown, resulting in considerable deterioration, even necrosis of bone. Osteonecrosis can occur by a number of reasons. They can be traumatic (after femoral neck fractures or hip joint dislocations), idiopathic, corticosteroid-induced, alcohol-induced, and infection-related. In Ayurveda classics, this disease can be precisely correlated with Asthimajjagat Vata, which basically occurs due to the deficiency of Asthi and Majja dhatus. Case Report: This is a case report of a 52-years-old female patient who visited to the OPD, with pain in lumbar region that radiated to both lower limbs, pain in both hip joints and she couldn't walk a short distance and sit without the support of hand. She had a history of fall 2 years back after which the complaints started. Results and Observations: The patient got significant relief in his range of movement, abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, internal rotation and external rotation are improved after the treatment. Discussion: Combination of ksheera and tikta rasa dravya can produce snigdha and soshana property at the same time. All this contributes to the samprapti vighatana of this condition. Conclusion: The main aim of this study is to encourage the classical Ayurvedic remedies in the management of Osteonecrosis. This case study demonstrates the management of Osteonecrosis through classical Ayurvedic treatment.