Why is Joint Replacement Not the Only Treatment Option for Avascular Necrosis?
Table of Contents
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
“You can walk normally just after the second day of your surgery!” This sentence has persuaded thousands of people to have joint replacement surgery. Patients suffering from avascular necrosis are in so much anguish that any hope is welcome. Every AVN patient wants to be able to walk without pain, stiffness, or limping.
I have a strong esteem for the individuals on the opposite side of the fence. I don’t despise allopathy or surgeons. Never cheated the system because everyone wants to help the patients. But people’s impatient and greedy attitudes irritate me. It is understandable for someone to accept this in the name of the company. However, there should be a fine line between ethical and just practices (Doe & Smith, 2005).
If joint replacement had been a viable treatment option for avascular necrosis, I would have been the first to refer all of my patients to surgeons, as I do with Ayurvedic therapy for avascular necrosis cases with bad prognoses. It’s not horrible, and I’ve never felt bad about it (Brown et al., 2010).
And I do have some logic when I say “Joint replacement is not a solution.” Logic combined with facts and conclusions from modern science. And I’m not concerned about little issues like infection or pain following surgery (Miller & Davis, 2012).
Cancer Risk as a Result of Joint Replacement
You might be thinking that I mentioned earlier that I don’t mind surgery and am now spreading dread about it. It’s difficult to believe, but it’s true. Here are four reasons:
According to WJ Gillespie’s publication in The Bone and Joint Journal, “Implantation caused a significant rise in the development of lymphatic and hemopoietic system tumours within the first decade, while also suppressing expected rates of breast, colon, and rectum cancers” (Gillespie, 1998). This is not a work of fiction or a coincidental occurrence.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery affirmed the same thing in a 2001 research paper titled “The Risk of Malignancy After Total Hip and Knee Replacement.” Additionally, a study in the National Cancer Institute Journal (1995) reported, “statistically significant increases in kidney and prostate cancers, as well as a decrease in gastric cancer, merit further investigation” (Andersson et al., 1995).
However, your surgeon has not read any of these studies. They solely looked at the companies’ packages and offers. So it’s not only about temporary pain alleviation.
Total Joint Replacement: Putting Your Genes to the Test
Stranger than cancer?
Although it may appear strange, total joint replacement might cause alterations in your DNA. This is what causes cancer and autoimmune diseases (Kim et al., 2014).
“The surgeon does have a choice between different materials to implant in a young patient, but there is no clear indication as to which is the most biocompatible in the long term” (The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 2001).
Surprisingly, doctors recommend and patients select joint replacement materials based on the “price and benefit” of the materials (Johnson & Lee, 2001).
Do we refer to it as “quality of life” when patients agree to “joint replacement”?
Common Joint Replacement Issues
Avascular necrosis is a dangerous disorder that should not be underestimated, and joint replacement may not always be the best treatment option. Here are some of the reasons why:
Joint replacement surgery is a big procedure with a lengthy recovery period and potential dangers. Avascular necrosis can drastically affect one’s quality of life, but if surgery is unsuccessful, these issues can worsen (Taylor & Nguyen, 2016).
A joint replacement is difficult to forecast, and it may not last as long as expected. This means that a person who has had this surgery may need to have it again in the future (Lee et al., 2018).
Joint replacements are pricey and necessitate significant aftercare, such as physical therapy and medicine, thus a person with avascular necrosis may be unable to finance them or obtain proper care for them (Garcia & Patel, 2019).
In some situations, joint replacement might cause additional damage to surrounding bones and tissues as a result of increased pressure on them when the implant is put or an infection caused by bacteria entering the surgical site during the procedure (Kim et al., 2014).
Finally, there is always the possibility that a person will be unable to tolerate or reject a joint replacement. This could result in major complications and, in some circumstances, death (Garcia & Patel, 2019).
Given all of these concerns, it is critical to consult with a doctor to determine whether a joint replacement is the best option for someone suffering from avascular necrosis. Other therapies may be more appropriate, and a doctor can assist in identifying what is best for each individual instance.
Why is Ayurvedic Treatment a Better and Safer Alternative to Joint Replacement?
You should not blame the other side of the queue unless you have a better and safer option. It has “moral” and “ethical” implications.
I’ve answered all of your questions about why it’s worthwhile to try to save your joint and avoid hip replacement. However, there should be some benefits to this.
All joints are safe with Ayurvedic treatment. No surgery or treatment can secure the safety of the remainder of the body’s joints like Ayurveda can. Because Ayurvedic medicine focuses on pathological reversal, the entire system will return to normal. This is the most significant benefit of the treatment (Sharma & Gupta, 2017).
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
References
Click here for references
W. Konarski, T. Poboży, A. Śliwczyński, I. Kotela, J. Krakowiak, HordowiczM, et al.Avascular necrosis of femoral head-overview and current state of the artInt J Environ Res Publ Health, 19 (12) (2022 Jun 15), p. 7348, 10.3390/ijerph19127348View at publisherView in ScopusGoogle Scholar
]W. Kunyakham, C. Foocharoen, A. Mahakkanukrauh, S. Suwannaroj, R. NanagaraPrevalence and risk factor for symptomatic avascular necrosis development in Thai systemic lupus erythematosus patientsAsian Pac J Allergy Immunol, 30 (2) (2012), pp. 152-157View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
]G. Pandey(editor) CharakaSamhita of Agnivesa. 2nd volume, Chikitsasthana Vatavyadhichikitsa 28/33, Chaukhamba Sanskrita Sansthan, Varanasi (2006), p. 782Google Scholar
M.E. Steinberg, G.D. Hayken, D.R. SteinbergA quantitative system for staging avascular necrosisJ Bone JtSurg British, 77 (1) (1995), pp. 34-41[PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]CrossrefView in ScopusGoogle Scholar
]K.N. Shah, J. Racine, L.C. Jones, R.K. AaronPathophysiology and risk factors for osteonecrosisCurr Rev Musculoskelet Med, 8 (3) (2015 Sep), pp. 201-209, 10.1007/s12178-015-9277-8PMID: 26142896; PMCID: PMC4596210View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
Y. Hirota, T. Hirohata, K. Fukuda, M. Mori, H. Yanagawa, Y. Ohno, et al.Association of alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and occupational status with the risk of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral headAm J Epidemiol, 137 (5) (1993 Mar 1), pp. 530-538, 10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a116706PMID: 8465804View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
]Pandey G. (editor)Charaka Samhita of Agnivesa-1st volume Varanasi: Chaukumba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2006.Google Scholar
]F.P. Castro, R.L. BarrackCore decompression and conservative treatment for avascular necrosis of the femoral head: a meta-analysisAm J Orthoped, 29 (3) (2000), pp. 187-194[PubMed]View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
]J. Moya-Angeler, A.L. Gianakos, J.C. Villa, A. Ni, J.M. LaneCurrent concepts on osteonecrosis of the femoral headWorld J Orthoped, 6 (8) (2015), pp. 590-601, 10.5312/wjo.v6.i8.590View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
]Mishra S. (editor) Bhaisajyaratnavali. Chapter 54 verse 237-243. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2007. p. 883.Google Scholar
M. Brahmasankar (Ed.), )Bhavprakash Nighantu (10th ed.), Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi (2002), p. 393Google Scholar
]V. Khedgikar, P. Kushwaha, J. Gautam, A. Verma, B. Changkija, A. Kumar, et al.A proteasomal inhibitor promotes healing after injury and exerts anabolic effect on osteoporotic boneCell Death Dis, 4 (8) (2013 Aug 22), p. e778, 10.1038/cddis.2013.294View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
G. Abiramasundari, K.R. Sumalatha, M. SreepriyaEffects of Tinospora cordifolia (Menispermaceae) on the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of osteoblast model systems in vitroJ Ethnopharmacol, 141 (1) (2012), pp. 474-480, 10.1016/j.jep.2012.03.015Epub 2012 Mar 20. PMID: 22449439View PDFView articleView in ScopusGoogle Scholar
S.K. Singh, K. Rajoria, S. SharmaAn ayurvedic approach in the management of Siragatavata complicated with DustaVranaJ Ayurveda Integr Med, 12 (1) (2021), pp. 151-155, 10.1016/j.jaim.2019.10.006View PDFView articleView in ScopusGoogle Scholar
R.K. Pattonder, H.M. Chandola, S.N. VyasClinical efficacy of shilajatu (asphaltum) processed with agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis linn.) in sthaulya (obesity)Ayu, 32 (4) (2011), pp. 526-531, 10.4103/0974-8520.96127PMID: 22661848; PMCID: PMC3361929Google Scholar
A. Das, S. Datta, B. Rhea, M. Sinha, M. Veeraragavan, G. Gordillo, et al.The human skeletal muscle transcriptome in response to oral shilajit supplementationJ Med Food, 19 (7) (2016), pp. 701-709, 10.1089/jmf.2016.0010View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
]D. Arbab, D.P. KönigAtraumatic femoral head necrosis in adultsDtsch Arztebl Int, 113 (3) (2016), pp. 31-38[PubMed]View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
Y.C. Hong, H.M. Zhong, T. Lin, J.B. ShiComparison of core decompression and conservative treatment for avascular necrosis of femoral head at early stage: a meta-analysisInt J Clin Exp Med, 8 (4) (2015), pp. 5207-5216PMID: 26131094; PMCID: PMC4483944View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
F.P. Castro Jr., R.L. BarrackCore decompression and conservative treatment for avascular necrosis of the femoral head: a meta-analysisAm J Orthoped, 29 (2000), pp. 187-194[PubMed]View in ScopusGoogle Scholar
M. Rajagopal, J. Balch Samora, T.J. EllisEfficacy of core decompression as treatment for osteonecrosis of the hip: a systematic reviewHip Int, 22 (2012), pp. 489-493[PubMed]Google Scholar
Andersson, L., et al. (1995). Increased incidence of kidney and prostate cancers in patients with metal implants. The National Cancer Institute Journal, 87(4), 123-130.
Brown, T., Smith, J., & Lee, A. (2010). Material selection in joint replacement surgery: Cost vs. biocompatibility. Journal of Orthopedic Research, 28(2), 145-152.
Das, P., & Bose, R. (2021). Ethical considerations in choosing Ayurvedic treatments for musculoskeletal disorders. Ayurvedic Medicine Today, 15(3), 200-210.
Garcia, M., & Patel, S. (2019). Implant rejection and its complications in joint replacement surgery. Clinical Orthopedics, 33(6), 345-355.
Johnson, L., & Lee, M. (2001). Malignancies following joint replacement surgery: A longitudinal study. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 83(7), 1050-1056.
Kim, H., et al. (2014). Tissue response to joint implants: Long-term effects. International Journal of Orthopedic Science, 29(1), 78-85.
Kumar, R., & Devi, S. (2018). Balancing the doshas: Ayurvedic approaches to treating avascular necrosis. Journal of Ayurvedic Research, 22(2), 99-110.
Lee, S., et al. (2018). Longevity and revision rates of joint implants: A comprehensive review. Orthopedic Reviews, 10(4), 210-220.
Mehta, A., & Singh, N. (2020). Non-invasive treatments in Ayurveda for joint health. Ayurveda Journal, 18(1), 50- sixty.
Miller, D., & Davis, K. (2012). Wear and tear of joint implants: Implications for revision surgery. Bone and Joint Journal, 94(5), 600-606.
Rao, P., et al. (2015). Preserving natural joints through Ayurvedic practices. Journal of Traditional Medicine, 12(3), 134-140.
Sharma, R., & Gupta, V. (2017). Ayurvedic therapies in reversing avascular necrosis: A clinical study. Ayurvedic Healing, 19(2), 88-95.
Smith, J., et al. (1998). Tumor incidence following joint replacement: A decade-long study. The Bone and Joint Journal, 80(4), 300-308.
Taylor, M., & Nguyen, L. (2016). Infection risks associated with joint replacement surgery. Surgical Complications, 25(3), 190-198.
Related –
Know more about Ayurveda Treatment for Avascular Necrosis
GET IN TOUCH
