Surgical Neck of Humerus Fracture Managed through the Principles of Bhagna Chikitsa: A Case Report

Background: Fracture of the surgical neck of the humerus is a common proximal humeral injury in elderly individuals, typically resulting from a fall, and is associated with pain, swelling and restriction of shoulder movement. Contemporary management ranges from conservative sling immobilisation to surgical fixation, guided by fracture displacement, bone quality and patient factors. Classical Ayurvedic surgical literature describes the management of fractures under the broad heading of Bhagna Chikitsa, with a specific classical description of the treatment of a fractured arm bone (Bahu Bhagna). Case Presentation: We report the case of an 84-year-old woman who presented with pain, swelling and ecchymosis of the left shoulder and proximal arm following a fall. Radiographic and computed-tomographic evaluation demonstrated a fracture pattern involving the proximal humerus. The patient was managed over two documented hospital admissions, spanning 22 November 2025 to 3 February 2026, with repeated shoulder Bandhana (bandaging), Pada Sweda, Taila application and Lepana, together with a structured regimen of internal Ayurvedic medication. Conclusion: Sushruta's description of Bahu Bhagna Chikitsa, in which a fractured arm bone is treated according to the principles laid down for a fractured thigh bone, together with the general principles of Sthapana and Bandhana described in the Bhagna Chikitsitam, offers a coherent classical framework within which this case of proximal humeral fracture may be discussed. The case is presented to illustrate this correlation and to encourage further systematic, CARE-compliant documentation of Ayurvedic management of proximal limb fractures.