Concept of Sandhi Marma With Special Reference to Janu Marma: Classical and Modern Anatomical Correlation

Marma are vital anatomical points described in Ayurvedic literature where multiple structural elements of the body converge. These sites hold great clinical importance because trauma to them may lead to severe functional impairment or even fatal outcomes. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe 107 Marma points distributed throughout the body, among which Sandhi Marma are located at joints and play a significant role in movement and weight transmission. Janu Marma, situated at the knee joint, is classified as a Vaikalyakara Marma, indicating that injury to this region results in deformity or functional disability. The knee joint is also one of the most commonly affected joints in both traumatic and degenerative conditions. The present study aims to explore the concept of Sandhi Marma with special reference to Janu Marma based on classical Ayurvedic literature and to correlate it with modern anatomical structures of the knee joint. A conceptual review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary anatomical literature. The findings suggest that the classical description of Janu Marma corresponds to a structurally complex anatomical region comprising bones, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, and neurovascular elements of the knee joint. Integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern anatomical knowledge provides a deeper understanding of the clinical relevance of this Marma and highlights its significance in musculoskeletal disorders such as Sandhigata Vata and knee osteoarthritis.