Critical review of Ani Marma of Upper limb with reference to Volkamann’s Ischaemic Contracture

Abstract

Ayurvedic authorities in the form of Samhitas have given due importance to the knowledge of anatomy. Acharya Sushruta emphasized the importance of anatomical regions of the body, while treating the traumas occurring in war and established the knowledge of these vulnerable structures in Sushruta Sharirasthana 6th chapter as Marma Sthanas. The Marmas of the upper limb need much to care, as a little injury of it can lead to a permanent disability of the limb which can make one’s life miserable. So, these are analysed scientifically and discussed emphatically to reveal the anatomical structures at that level. Symptoms and complications due to injuries of the Marmas are co-related with the injuries to the various structures present around it which is helpful in surgical approaches of the involved structure. In the present review, the symptoms formed due to injury to the Ani Marma of upper limb are presented as Sthabdabahuta i.e., functional deformity of the arm. These effects are correlated to a symptomatology referred as “Volkaman’s Ischaemic Contracture” since the symptoms of both appears to be similar.