Understanding transient osteoporosis of hip (Asthi-Majjagatavata) and management through Ayurveda

Abstract

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a rare musculoskeletal disease characterized by acute pain and disability and is often missed during clinical diagnosis. This is a case report of TOH, which was effectively managed with a combination of Panchakarma procedures and oral medicines. The case was diagnosed and treated as Asthi-Majjagatavata (~vata disorder involving bone and bone marrow). The treatment protocol included Snehapana (~internal oleation) with Guggulu tiktaka ghritam, Mridu virechana (~mild purgation), Abhyanga (~massage with Dhanvantaram taila), Patra pottali swedana (~sudation with bolus of leaves), and Panchatiktaka ksheera basti (~enema with medicated milk) for 21 days along with oral medications for three months. The patient's improvement was assessed with the Harris Hip Score. Substantial improvement was noted post-treatment and also after three months of follow-up. This case shows the successful management of TOH with Ayurvedic treatment after proper understanding of the pathology of the condition.