Ayurvedic Insights of Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head
Ayurvedic Insights of Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head
Ayurvedic Insights of Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head
9(07), 51-54
RESEARCH ARTICLE
AYURVEDIC INSIGHTS OF AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF FEMORAL HEAD
Causes
Dislocation or fracture of the thigh bone (femur).
This type of injury can affect the blood supply to the bone, leading to trauma-related avascular necrosis. AVN may
develop in 20% or more of people who dislocate a hip.
Blood clots, inflammation, and damage to the arteries. All of these can block blood flow to the bones.
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of osteonecrosis is an area of controversy. Most experts believe that it is the result of the combined
erects of genetic predisposition, metabolic factors and local factors, affecting blood supply, such as vascular
damage, increased inter osseous pressure, and mechanical stresses. The mechanism responsible for the osseous
infarction is fat embolism and intravascular flat globules are often found in resected femoral heads in idiopathic
necrosis. It probably begins by and interruption of the blood circulation within the bone, subsequently the adjacent
area becomes hyperaemic, resulting in de- mineralizationin trabecular thinning and later incollapse. 3
Treatment
Treatment has been facilitated by using a widely accepted international classification system, effective earlier
diagnosis using MRI and more aggressive surgical management. No universally satisfactory therapy has been
developed, even for early disease. It is essential that AVN of the femoral head is diagnosed early because
delayingthis disease by joint preserving measures have a much better prognosis and because the results of joint
replacement are poorer in young individuals. 4
Ayurvedic View
There is no direct reference available in our literature which corresponds to AVN of femoral head. But with the help
of Hetu, Dosha and Dhatu involvement we can make Samprapti of the disease. Hetu plays an significant role in the
pathogenesis of any disease. Various factors liable for vitiation of Vata and Pitta, along with the factors guilty for
vitiation of Asthivaha and Majjavaha Srotas are responsible for pathogenesis of AVN. Astangahridaya describes the
factors responsible for provocation of Vata and Pitta.5Due to vitiation of Vata Dosha there is Dushti of Vyanavayu
which is responsible for normal circulation of blood through vessels results in improper flow of blood through bone
tissues which causes Toda, Ruka, Sausirya, Vataprakopaka Laksanas. Pitta Dosha Dushti is responsible for Rakta
Dushti due to Ashrayaashrayibhava6 and its Updhatu Sira which causes impaired vascular supply resulting in
Kotha (osteonecrosis) of Asthidhatu.
Similarly, dietary factors such as intake of Abhisyandi and incompetent foods (Virudhaahara) that are responsible
for Majjavahasrotodusti7, indirectly provokes Vata due to Srotoavrodha produced by Ama formation resulting in
impaired work of Vyanavayu. Indulgence in unwholesomedietary and lifestyle factors cause vitiation of
Asthivahasrotas; for e.g., overexercise, concussionand violent flexion directly leads to provocation of Vata, resulting
in Asthiksaya.8which produce symptoms like Asthitoda and Asthishoolala prominently appears in AVN also. In later
stage of AVN, if not treated earlier, there is an involvement of Majja in which symptoms of Majjaksaya like
Asthisausirya (osteoporosis), Siryantaivacasthini (eleterioration of bone ) and Durbalaasthi (weakness of bone)
appear causing death of bone tissue and collapse of bone.
Acharya Dalhan has mentioned that Purishdhara kala and Asthidhara kala are one and the same.9Hence causative
factors responsible for vitiation of Purishvahasrotas also guilty for producing pathogenesis of Asthikshaya. The
causative factors for vitiation of Purisavahasrotas are suppression of natural urges like defecation, excessive eating,
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overeating during indigestion, weak digestive power and thin body constitution. Suppression of urge of defecation
leads to Udavarta and ultimately to provocation of Vata.10
Management
In Ayurveda, the treatment of AVN includes: 1)Nidanaparivarjana (avoidance of etiological factors), 2) Sodhana
(biopurification), 3) Samana (palliative treatment), 4) Rasayana (rejuvenation) and 5) Pathyapathya (properdiet).
l. Nidanaparivarjana: - The person suffering from AVN must avoid excess in etiological factors which provok
Vata, Pitta, along with Asthivaha, Majjavaha and Purishavahasrotas and also some psychic factors such as· worry,
fear, grief, anger, etc. Hence the physician should not recommend Tiksna drugs. Excessive biopurification and injury
to vital organs should also be prohibited along with opposing treatment, as they lead to Asthiksaya.
2. Biopurification:- Taking into consideration vitiation of Vata and Pitta as Vikaraprakrti, Asthi and latter on Majja
is the main Adhisthana (site) resulting in Asthiksaya and Majjaksaya in the pathogenesis of AVN, the treatment plan
of Vata and Pitta Upakrama along with Asthimajjaksaya Chikitsopakrama should be applied in this
disease.11Acharya Hemadri has also supported this. Vagbhata describes Mridu Samsodhana as the line of treatment
in vitiation of' Vata. Mriduvirechana (by Erandataila with milk, decoction of Aragvadhapatra, Triphalachurna or
decoction of Draksha) can be used for Mala and Vataanulomana. Similarly, Mriduvirechana is also helpful for
pacifying Pitta as it is specific Sodhana procedure for Pitta.
3. Palliative treatment:- This can be done by using Saman Ausadhis which are Vata Pittaghna and
Raktasuddhikara in nature. Some Saman Ausadhis are detailed below:
Panchatiktagana:-
This contains Patola (Trichosanthes cucumerina), Vasa (Justiciabeddomei), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Nimba
(Azadirachta indica) and Katuka (Picrorhiza kurrooa)12 A combination of these drugs is useful because of its Tikta
Rasa, Amapacaka and Raktapittasamaka properties. There are various formulations with these drugs like
Panchatiktaghrta Guggulu, Panchatikta Ghrita, etc.
• Guggulu Kalpa: - Various Guggulu formulations mentioned in the treatment of fractures and disorders of Vata can
be given to the AVN patients who suffer from different types of pain. These preparations are: Abhaguggulu,
Mahayogarajaguggulu, Laksadiguggulu, Adityapakaguggulu and Yogarajaguggulu.
Kshirapaka: - Arjunakshirapaka (Arjuna -Terminalia cuneata, is rich in calcium) and Asvagandhaksirapaka.
o Pathya (wholesome): - Sweet taste dominant substances, rice, black gram, milk, whey,butter milk, butter, ghee,
meat soup, anti-Vata oils, regular exercise and exposure to early morning sun rays.
o Apathya (unwholesome):- Pungent, bitter, astringent taste dominant substances; dry, cold, light, porous property
predominant substances; Madya (alcohol); Suskamamsa (dry meat). Suskasaka (dry vegetable); excessive eating,
fasting, heavy exercise; excessive sexual intercourse; fighting withstronger person; day sleep, night awakening;
suppression of natural urges; smoking andother etiological factors.
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Conclusion:-
AVN is a osteonecrosis disease which is Kotha of Asthidhatu. Etiological factors responsible for Vitiation of Vata,
Pitta and Rakta leads to Kshaya of Asthi and Majjadhatu. Symptoms of AVN are very much similar to
Asthimajjakshaya and Vataprakopaka Lakashana. Administration of Vasti containing kshira, Ghrita and Tikta
Dravyas; by oral use of Samana Dravya and Rasayana along with wholesome dietetics and lifestyle AVN can be
managed.
References:-
1. Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: A Metabolomic, Biophysical, Biochemical, Electron Microscopic and
Histopathological Characterization, Scientific Reports| 7: 10721 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-10817-w.
2.https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/avascular-necrosis-osteonecrosis-symptoms-treatments#1
3.Vasuray,D.Venkata Krishna Naik, J Srinivasulu,N. Satya Prasad. A Case Study onthe Effect of
GuduchyadiYapanaVasti Inavascular Necrosis of Hip Joint.AYUSHDHARA, 2016;3(1):465-468.
4. Chapara Aparna et al: Role Of Ayurveda In The Management Of Avascular Necrosis Of The Left Femoral Head–
A Case Study iamj: volume 5, issue 12, december, 2017
5. AstanghrdyaNidanaSthana chapter 1, 14-16, with the commentaries Sarvangasundara of Arundatta edited by Pt.
Hari SadasivaSastriParadakaraBhisagacarya, ChaukhambaSurbhartiPrakashan Varanasi.
6. Astanghrdya Sutra Sthana chapter 11, sloka 26, with the commentaries Sarvangasundara of Arundatta edited by
Pt. Hari SadasivaSastriParadakaraBhisagacarya, ChaukhambaSurbhartiPrakashan Varanasi 2014.
7. Charak Samhita Vimana Sthana 5/18, Vidyotani Hindi commentary edited by Pt. Kashinath Pandey and
Dr.GorakhnathChaturvedi, ChaukhambaBharatiPrakashan 2009.
8. Charak Samhita Vimana Sthana 5/17, Vidyotani Hindi commentary edited by Pt. Kashinath Pandey and
Dr.GorakhnathChaturvedi, ChaukhambaBharatiPrakashan 2009.
9. Sushruta Samhita KalpaSthan 4/40, NibandhasangrahacommentaryofDalhan edited by Vaidya Jadvji
Trikamjiacharya, ChaukhambaBharatiPrakashan 2014.
10. Charak Samhita Vimana Sthana 5/21, Vidyotani Hindi commentary edited by Pt. Kashinath Pandey and
Dr.GorakhnathChaturvedi, ChaukhambaBharatiPrakashan 2009.
11. Astanghrdya Sutra Sthana chapter 13, sloka 01, with the commentaries Sarvangasundara of Arundatta edited by
Pt. Hari SadasivaSastriParadakaraBhisagacarya, ChaukhambaSurbhartiPrakashan Varanasi 2014.
12. Sushruta Samhita ChikitsaSthan 35/6, NibandhasangrahacommentaryofDalhan edited by Vaidya
JadvjiTrikamjiacharya, ChaukhambaBharatiPrakashan 2014.
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