Analysis of structural changes observed in Prishtavamsha Sandhigatha Vata (osteoarthritis of vertebral column)

Prishtavamsha Sandhi (joints of vertebral column) is the Cheshtavantha Prathara (movable and floating) type of joint. Twenty four joints are present in Prishtavamsha (vertebral column). Intervertebral joints are the joints which connect vertebrae to each other consists of cartilaginous joints in between the vertebral bodies and synovial joint between vertebral arches. Sandhigatha Vata (osteo arthritis) is one among the Vatavyadhi, which can affect all joints in the body. Sandhigatha Vata (osteoarthritis) will be dominated with symptoms like pain, swelling and impairment of function. In Sandhigatha Vata (osteoarthritis), destruction occurs in the joints due to aggrevated Vata. But it is not clear about the type of destruction observed in the joints. To rule out the various structural changes observed in the joints of Prishtavamsha (vertebral column) this work is being undertaken. Among 100 patients suffering from Prishtavamsha Sandhigatha Vata (osteoarthritis of vertebral column), all patients showed structural changes, 38% having Intervertebral disc prolapse, 22% having spondylosis, 20% having osteophytes, 8% with Osteosclerosis, 6% having spondylolisthesis, 5% with fractures and 1 with stenosis justifies structural changes (Hanthi Sandhi) occurs in Sandhigatha Vata (osteoarthritis). All patients had pain and restricted movements, 80% patient had swelling which justifies the symptoms of Sandhigatha Vata (osteoarthritis).