AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ABHIGHATAJA SNAYUGATA VATA-A CASE STUDY

Background: Knee ligament injuries are among the most frequent musculoskeletal conditions resulting from high-velocity trauma, sports activities, and road-traffic accidents. Damage to structures such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and meniscus can severely impair joint stability, mobility, and overall functional capacity. Although surgical reconstruction is a common therapeutic approach, it does not always guarantee complete biomechanical recovery and may be associated with postoperative stiffness, prolonged rehabilitation, and variable success rates. In Ayurveda, such traumatic injuries can be correlated with Abhighātaja Snāyugata Vāta, where Abhighata leads to vitiation of Vāta and Rakta affecting Snāyu, Sandhi, and Asthi, producing pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement. Case History: A 48-year-old male presented with pain, swelling, restricted movements of the right knee, and difficulty in walking for 5 months following a road-traffic accident. MRI revealed a partial tear of the ACL, PCL sprain, grade-3 medial meniscal tear, bone marrow edema, superficial MCL injury, and joint effusion. Treatment included Sthānika Taila Dhāra with Pinda Taila, Kṣīrabala Taila, Māṣha Taila, and Daśhaṅga Kumāri Upanāha for 7 days in 3 sittings, along with internal medications. Results: The patient showed significant pain relief, restored mobility, improved gait, and negative stability tests, with VAS reducing from 6 to 0. Conclusion: Ayurvedic Bahirparimarjana therapies combined with internal medication effectively managed a complex knee ligament and meniscal injury without surgical intervention. This case demonstrates the potential of Ayurveda as a safe, cost-effective, and non-invasive approach for treating ligament injuries and improving quality of life. Keywords: ACL injury, Snāyugata Vāta, Meniscal tear, Sthānika Taila Dhāra, Daśhāṅga Kumāri Upanāha, Abhighāta