Role of Ayurveda in Chondromalacia Patella Grade IV - A Case Report

Chondromalacia Patellae is a disease in which the hyaline cartilage of patella is softened and easily wears away. It is found in around 37% knee joint affected patients, with just 0.3% of grade IV. Thus, it is a rare outcome. The case presented here is of 46 years old male patient, who came to Panchakarma OPD with complaint of pain at left knee joint and difficulty in walking. The patient had MRI, suggestive of Chondromalacia Patellae Grade IV of left knee joint. It was diagnosed as Janu Sandhi Gata Vata. It was treated with Janu Basti (~oil pool at knee joint) of Murivennadi Taila externally and Matra Basti (~enema with fats) of ghee-oil mixture made of particular drugs, i.e., Jeevaniya and Sandhaniya Maha Kashaya. Significant improvements were observed in subjective and objective parameters, like pain, range of motion and even MRI after the treatment. This case proves that Snehana (~oleation), specifically with Jeevaniya and Sandhaniya drugs is useful in treating chondromalacia, even of grade IV, which is rare and requires surgical intervention.