Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life, particularly among the elderly people. While pharmacological therapies and total knee replacement (TKR) surgery remain standard options, associated adverse effects cause concerns. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of the CVRT (Cell Vitality Restoration Treatment), an innovative Ayurveda-based protocol, on pain relief, functional outcomes, and avoidance of previously advised TKR surgery in patients with knee OA. This case series included four patients (two males and two females) diagnosed with knee OA based on clinical and radiological assessment, all of whom had been previously advised TKR surgery. Patients opted for conservative management at an Ayurvedic clinic and were treated using a structured, phased CVRT protocol, individualized according to Ayurvedic principles of Sandhigata Vata. Pain intensity and functional limitation were assessed using pain scores at baseline and during follow-up. All patients demonstrated substantial reduction in pain scores over treatment durations ranging from three weeks to eight months. Pain scores decreased substantially from baseline values accompanied by marked improvement in joint mobility and ability to perform daily activities. No adverse effects were reported. Importantly, the clinical improvement achieved was sufficient to avoid the need for previously recommended TKR surgery in them. The CVRT protocol demonstrated promising potential in reducing pain, enhancing functional outcomes, and enabling avoidance of TKR in patients with knee OA. Thus, CVRT may serve as a safe and effective non-surgical option for selected patients, warranting further evaluation through larger controlled studies.
Dr. Darshan Desai* (Mon,) studied this question.