AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF GAMBHIRA VATARAKTA (AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF FEMORAL HEAD) THROUGH PANCHAKARMA: A CASE REPORT

Background: Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head arises from disruption of the subchondral blood supply, resulting in osteocyte death and, if unchecked, progressive mechanical collapse of the joint. The femoral heads reliance on terminal retinacular vessels with limited collateral flow makes it especially susceptible. Conventional treatments -ranging from NSAIDs and core decompression to total hip arthroplasty (THA) - are costly, carry procedural risks, and offer variable long-term success,especially in younger patients.In classical Ayurvedic nosology, AVN aligns closely with Gambhira Vatarakta, a condition rooted in simultaneous vitiation of Vata Dosha and Rakta Dhatu, culminating in degeneration of Asthi (bone) and Sandhi (joint) tissues