Case Report on Ayurvedic Rasayana Intervention for Surgically Indicated Volar Plate Injury of the Metacarpophalangeal Joints

Abstract

Subluxation is a partial or incomplete dislocation of a joint, where the bones are not in their proper alignment but still partially touch. This is different from a complete dislocation (subluxation), where the bones are completely separated. Subluxations can cause pain and swelling. Treatment can range from conservative methods like the Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation method, close reduction and pain management to more involved options like surgery in severe cases. A 39-year-old female experienced pain, stiffness, and difficulty in holding and doing household activities with her right 2^nd metacarpal, and she underwent MRI scan. The impression showed avulsion of the proximal fibers of the volar plate at the neck of the second metacarpal with volar subluxation of the proximal phalanx and was advised to undergo surgery. Keeping the surgical option open and explaining the pros and cons, treatment was started with pain management, followed by Panchakarma, Rasayana treatments along with internal medication that gave significant reduction in pain and improved ability to use the finger. This case study highlights the efficacy of Ayurveda in treating subluxation. The use of Upanaha Sweda, Nasya, Bandana, Rajyapana basti and Rasayana treatments demonstrated practical, effective, and significant results in the treatment of subluxation of 2^nd metacarpal.