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  2. Volume 2 I Issue 3 [July To September]
  3. Orthopedic Principles in Sushruta Samhita: Classical Insights and Modern Relevance
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Ms. Priya Bhaware

Orthopedic Principles in Sushruta Samhita: Classical Insights and Modern Relevance

Introduction: Orthopedics, the branch of medicine dealing with musculoskeletal injuries, fractures, and joint disorders, has roots that trace back to ancient surgical texts. The Sushruta Samhita, composed by Acharya Sushruta, is among the earliest and most comprehensive treatises on surgery, containing detailed descriptions of fractures (bhagna), dislocations (sandhimukta), and their management. Methods: This review is based on a systematic analysis of Sushruta Samhita and related Ayurvedic classics, along with modern literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Key search terms included “Sushruta Samhita,” “orthopedics in Ayurveda,” “bhagna,” “sandhimukta,” and “Ayurvedic fracture management.” Articles and references from 1980–2024 were included, with emphasis on peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and comparative analyses of Ayurvedic and modern orthopedic practices. Results: Sushruta classified fractures into twelve types and dislocations into six types, prescribing individualized treatments including immobilization (koshtha-bandhana), traction (yantra), massage (abhyanga), bandaging (bandhana), and internal administration of bone-healing formulations. Rehabilitation strategies like dietetic regimens, oil therapies, and physiotherapy-like measures were also recommended. Comparative analysis shows that many of these principles parallel modern orthopedic practices, such as traction, casting, and physiotherapy. Herbal formulations described for fracture healing, like laksha, asthi-samhara, and ghrita preparations, have demonstrated osteoprotective and bone-healing potential in experimental studies. Discussion: The orthopedic wisdom of Sushruta demonstrates remarkable foresight in fracture classification, surgical techniques, and holistic rehabilitation. While modern orthopedics benefits from technological advances in surgery and imaging, Sushruta’s holistic model emphasizes natural healing, nutrition, and functional recovery. Integrating classical insights with contemporary research may enrich current orthopedic practice, especially in the field of bone healing and rehabilitation.

 

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Bhagna, Orthopedics, Sushruta Samhita, Traditional surgery