European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

MANAGEMENT OF AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF HEAD OF THE FEMUR THROUGH PANCHAKARMA: A CASE STUDY

Dr. S. Triveni Manju* and Dr. Vinay Kumar K. N.

ABSTRACT

Avascular necrosis of the femur head (AVNFH) is a debilitating disease caused due to the use of alcohol, steroids, following trauma or unclear (idiopathic) etiology, affecting mostly the middle aged population. Clinically AVNFH is associated with impaired blood supply to the femoral head resulting in bone necrosis and collapse. Management of AVN aims at the preservation of structure, function and relief from pain. Many surgical procedures such as drilling and insertion of bone grafts, insertion of prosthesis etc. are carried out to remedy the condition but all these procedures are costly with the poor prognosis. According to the principles of Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta, Rakta Dosha play major role in the pathogenesis of AVN along with involvement of Asthi and Majja Kshaya (depletion of bony tissue). The present case study is upon 36 year old women, diagnosed case of Avascular Necrosis of bilateral femoral head with complaints of pain in bilateral hip region since 4 years which was associated with difficulty in doing normal daily activities such as walking, sitting, squatting along with change in the gait. The treatment principle involves the administration of Rukshana followed by Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa as Vamana Karma was administered after Sarvanga Udwartana for a period of 14 days thereafter Virechana Karma after Parihara Kala and Sarvanga Udwartana for 14 days and again after Virechana Parihara kala, Erandamooladi Ksheera Basti in Kala Basti Schedule followed by Vardhamana pippali rasayana and other Shamana aushadhi detailed for a period of 3 months. Patient was observed for symptomatic improvements before and after treatment. The results were encouraging and provided marked relief from pain, tenderness, stiffness and improvement in the gait.

Keywords: AVNFH, Rukshana, Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Shamana Aushadhi.