THE MANAGEMENT OF ASTHIMAJJAGATA VATA W.S.R. TO AVASCULAR NECROSIS WITH AYURVEDA - A CASE STUDY

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a progressive disorder resulting from the disruption of blood supply to bone, most commonly affecting the femoral head. It leads to pain, stiffness, and functional disability. In Ayurveda, its presentation can be correlated with Asthi-Majjagata Vata. Conventional treatment often requires surgical interventions, whereas Ayurveda offers non-surgical alternatives. A 40-year-old female presented with bilateral hip pain radiating to thighs (Rt > Lt), morning stiffness (>30 minutes), restricted movements, disturbed sleep, and difficulty in walking for one year. MRI confirmed bilateral Stage II AVN of the femoral heads. Clinical findings included tenderness, restricted range of motion, positive Trendelenburg sign, and painful internal-external rotation. The patient underwent a combination of Ayurvedic oral medications (Arogyavardhini vati, Kaishor guggul, Mahamanishtadi kadha, Guduchi ghanavati, Asthiposhak vati, Brahmi vati, and Gandharva Haritaki churna) along with Panchakarma therapies: Sarvang Snehana-Swedana, Patrapottali Sweda, Yog Basti (Balaguduchyadi taila, Erandmuladi basti), Shalishashtik Pinda Sweda, and Panchatikta Kshir Basti for 14 days. Marked clinical improvement was noted at discharge. Pain (VAS) reduced from 7 to 3, morning stiffness decreased from 30 minutes to 3 minutes, Harris Hip Score improved from 75 to 82, and range of motion was restored with reduced pain. This case demonstrates that Basti chikitsa combined with Ayurvedic medications can significantly reduce pain, stiffness, and functional impairment in AVN of the femoral head. Although further research is needed, Ayurveda shows promising potential as a supportive, non-surgical management approach in AVN.