Traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating femoral head necrosis

Abstract

The invention relates to traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating femoral head necrosis, and belongs to the technical field of ointment for treating femoral head necrosis. According to the traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating femoral head necrosis, on the basis of five elements and five internal organs of a human body, under the precondition that the kidney is the innate, the necrotic femoral head is effectively recovered according to the pharmacological treatment principles of tonifying liver and kidney, strengthening muscles and bones, tonifying spleen qi, promoting blood circulation to arrest pain and astringing and promoting granulation. Meanwhile, the medicine takes effect quickly and is short in treatment course, so that the economic pressure of patients is greatly relieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head, belonging to the technical field of avascular necrosis of the femoral head treatment. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of femoral head necrosis treatment technology, modern medicine primarily treats femoral head necrosis through precise staged treatment. Early-stage patients undergo hip-preserving surgery to slow collapse and retain some joint function. For mid-to-late-stage patients, only artificial joint replacement surgery can improve quality of life. Biotherapy is also a future direction. However, these treatments can only relieve symptoms and cannot stop disease progression. Surgical treatment is expensive and carries uncontrollable complications. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has extensive literature documenting many drugs and formulas that can relieve pain and restore joint function, offering a potential new direction for femoral head necrosis treatment. Currently, the TCM combinations used for femoral head necrosis are complex and diverse, with limited efficacy. For example, a formula for treating femoral head necrosis proposed in patent application number 202510551288x can indeed relieve pain, and long-term use can improve blood circulation in the femoral head and promote bone cell regeneration. However, it can only slow disease progression and reduce the probability of surgery. Furthermore, the effect is relatively slow, requiring long-term use, which places a significant financial burden on patients.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new traditional Chinese medicine prescription to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the current method. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head, thereby addressing the problems of existing traditional Chinese medicine treatments for avascular necrosis of the femoral head being slow to take effect, requiring long-term use, and only able to delay the progression of the disease and reduce the probability of surgery.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is: This is a traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head, which I developed and modified over many years based on a family-inherited formula for treating injuries from falls and blows. The ointment comprises the following components in parts by weight: Burned bones and broken bones (30-50 parts), nourishing herbs (20-30 parts) Dipsacus asper (10-15 parts) and Psoralea corylifolia (10-15 parts) Stir-fried yam (15-30 parts) and pork bones (10-15 parts) Tortoise shell (10-15 parts) and ground beetle (5-10 parts) Achyranthes bidentata (10-15 parts) and frankincense (10-15 parts) Myrrh (10-15 parts) and blood dragon (10-15 parts).

[0006] The advantages of this invention are: This traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head is based on the five internal organs of the human body. Under the premise that the kidneys are the foundation of innate essence, it follows the pharmacological treatment principles of tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, invigorating the spleen, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, and astringing and promoting tissue regeneration, thus effectively restoring the necrotic femoral head. At the same time, because the medicine is fast-acting and has a short treatment course, it greatly reduces the financial burden on patients. Detailed Implementation

[0007] This traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head is based on a family-inherited formula for treating injuries from falls and blows, which I have refined and modified over many years. The ointment comprises the following components by weight: Burned bones and broken bones (30-50 parts), nourishing herbs (20-30 parts) Dipsacus asper (10-15 parts) and Psoralea corylifolia (10-15 parts) Stir-fried yam (15-30 parts) and pork bones (10-15 parts) Tortoise shell (10-15 parts) and ground beetle (5-10 parts) Achyranthes bidentata (10-15 parts) and frankincense (10-15 parts) Myrrh (10-15 parts) and blood dragon (10-15 parts).

[0008] The preferred components of the above-mentioned traditional Chinese medicine ointment are as follows (in parts by weight): 1. The principal ingredient is 35-40 parts of *Drynaria fortunei* (a type of herb).

[0009] II. The assistant ingredients are: 10-12 parts tortoise shell and 20-25 parts epimedium.

[0010] III. The adjuvant herbs are: 10-13 parts of Sichuan teasel root, 20-25 parts of stir-fried yam, 15 parts of Achyranthes bidentata, and 8-10 parts of Eupolyphaga sinensis.

[0011] IV. The ingredients are: 13-15 parts of Psoralea corylifolia, 15 parts of dragon bone, 10-12 parts of frankincense, 10-12 parts of myrrh, and 13-15 parts of dragon's blood.

[0012] The preparation method of this traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head includes the following steps: Prepare finely powdered dragon's blood, frankincense, and myrrh. Mix the remaining herbs together with 20 liters of water and soak for three to six hours. Then bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to medium heat, and simmer for six to seven hours. Concentrate the liquid until it forms beads when dropped into water. Add the powdered dragon's blood, frankincense, and myrrh, stir well, remove from heat, and let cool completely before bottling. The adult dosage is 25 grams per dose. For minors under 15 years old, the dosage is 10 grams per dose; for children over 15 years old, the dosage is 20 grams per dose. Take twice daily, half an hour after breakfast and dinner. One course of treatment is three months; two courses constitute one treatment cycle.

[0013] 1. Avoid alcohol and spicy foods while taking this herbal paste.

[0014] Second, during treatment, patients should engage in appropriate exercise according to their own condition and should not remain in bed for extended periods.

[0015] Third, if other sudden symptoms occur during treatment and antibiotics or other medications are required, please follow your doctor's instructions.

[0016] Fourth, the effect of this herbal paste will be better if taken continuously.

[0017] Efficacy: Nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, strengthens tendons and bones, disperses blood stasis and relieves pain. Mainly treats avascular necrosis of the femoral head, traumatic bone injuries, and rheumatic bone diseases.

[0018] Solution: The principal ingredient, *Fire-burning Bone-strengthening and Bone-strengthening*, nourishes the kidneys, strengthens bones, invigorates blood, and relieves pain.

[0019] The adjuvant herb, *Dipsacus asper*, is bitter, pungent, and slightly warm in nature. It enters the liver and kidney meridians; it tonifies the liver and kidneys, strengthens tendons and bones, and heals fractures.

[0020] The herb Psoralea corylifolia has the following properties and channels: pungent, bitter, and warm. It enters the kidney and spleen channels; it tonifies the kidney and strengthens yang, consolidates essence and warms the spleen, and regulates qi and relieves asthma.

[0021] Stir-fried yam, used as an adjuvant, is sweet and neutral in nature and flavor, and enters the spleen, lung, and kidney meridians; it strengthens the spleen and lungs, and tonifies the kidneys and replenishes essence.

[0022] The medicinal ingredient, dragon bone, is sweet, astringent, and neutral in nature and flavor; it enters the heart, liver, and kidney meridians; it calms the liver and subdues yang, consolidates and astringes to stop seminal emission, and soothes the mind.

[0023] The herb, tortoise shell, is sweet, salty, and slightly cold in nature. It enters the liver, kidney, and heart meridians; it nourishes yin and subdues yang, calms the mind and spirit, and strengthens the kidneys and bones.

[0024] The adjuvant herb, *Eupolyphaga sinensis*, is salty and slightly cold in nature and flavor; it is slightly toxic and enters the liver meridian; it breaks up blood stasis, promotes blood circulation, and helps to heal tendons and bones.

[0025] The adjuvant herb, Achyranthes bidentata, is sweet, sour, and neutral in nature and enters the liver and kidney meridians. It invigorates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, guides blood downwards, tonifies the liver and kidneys, and strengthens tendons and bones.

[0026] Frankincense, a medicinal ingredient, is pungent, bitter, and warm in nature. It enters the heart, liver, and spleen meridians, promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, reducing swelling, and promoting tissue regeneration.

[0027] Myrrh, a medicinal herb, is bitter, pungent, and neutral in nature and flavor. It enters the heart, liver, and spleen meridians; it disperses blood stasis, relieves pain, reduces swelling, and promotes tissue regeneration.

[0028] The medicine is called Blood Dew, and its properties and channels are sweet, salty, and neutral. It is slightly toxic and enters the heart and liver channels. It invigorates blood circulation, relieves pain, removes blood stasis, stops bleeding, and promotes tissue regeneration.

[0029] The herb Epimedium, used as an assistant herb, is pungent, sweet, and warm in nature. It enters the liver and kidney meridians; it tonifies kidney yang, strengthens tendons and bones, and dispels wind and dampness.

[0030] This formula has been used to treat more than 100 patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head, with an effective rate of over 95% and a cure rate of over 80% as determined by medical imaging examinations.

[0031] This invention's herbal paste uses *Drynaria fortunei* (a type of medicinal herb) as the principal ingredient to tonify the kidneys, strengthen bones, invigorate blood, and relieve pain. Tortoise shell and Epimedium are used as assistant ingredients to nourish kidney yin and yang, and strengthen tendons and bones, thus consolidating and enhancing the efficacy of *Drynaria fortunei*. Both herbs simultaneously target the liver and kidney meridians, effectively improving liver blood deficiency. The adjuvant ingredients *Dipsacus asper* (another medicinal herb) tonify the liver and kidneys, strengthen tendons and bones; *Eupolyphaga sinensis* (another medicinal herb) breaks up blood stasis, promotes tendon and bone healing; stir-fried Dioscorea opposita (another medicinal herb) strengthens the spleen and kidneys; and *Achyranthes bidentata* (another medicinal herb) guides blood downwards, tonifies the liver and kidneys, and strengthens tendons and bones, thus assisting the principal and assistant ingredients in controlling and repairing the necrotic femoral head. Finally, the guiding ingredients *Psoralea corylifolia* (another medicinal herb) tonify the kidneys, consolidate essence, and regulate qi; *Dracaena cochinchinensis* (another medicinal herb) astringes and calms the mind; frankincense and myrrh invigorate blood, relieve pain; *Hemiber mioga* (another medicinal herb) reduces swelling and promotes tissue regeneration; and *Dracaena cochinchinensis* (another medicinal herb) invigorates blood, relieves pain, removes blood stasis, and promotes tissue regeneration. This allows for better recovery from necrotic femoral head.

[0032] This application has been practically applied according to the weights in the table below, where the weight of each component is in grams:

[0033] The preparation method of this traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head includes the following steps: Prepare finely powdered dragon's blood, frankincense, and myrrh. Mix the remaining herbs together with 20 liters of water and soak for three to six hours. Then bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to medium heat, and simmer for six to seven hours. Concentrate the liquid until it forms beads when dropped into water. Add the powdered dragon's blood, frankincense, and myrrh, stir well, remove from heat, and let cool completely before bottling for later use.

[0034] Typical Case Case 1: Mr. Yang, male, born in 1978, from Jingzhou City, Hubei Province. In 2014, he experienced persistent pain and weakness in his right hip joint for a week. An examination at the hospital revealed a positive result for the right hip joint's Patrick's test, and an MRI confirmed avascular necrosis of the femoral head in the right hip joint. Because the patient refused surgery, he underwent conservative treatment. In 2016, he sought my medical help after seeing a report about me on television. At our first meeting, the patient was limping with the aid of crutches, moving slowly, and appeared to be in pain. There was a noticeable difference in leg length when walking. Based on the patient's condition, I prescribed this herbal paste, 25 grams twice daily, divided into morning and evening doses. After three months, a follow-up examination showed significant improvement in pain, and he could walk with one crutch. The original treatment plan was continued for another course. After six months, a follow-up examination showed that the pain had largely disappeared, and the limping was minimal. He could walk without crutches for short periods. I recommended continuing the original treatment plan. After nine months, a follow-up examination showed that the pain and limping were completely gone, and he could walk normally without crutches most of the time. I recommended continuing the original treatment plan for another course, and using one crutch for safety when going out. At the one-year follow-up examination, all aspects had recovered very well, and the patient could walk freely. A follow-up examination at the hospital was recommended. However, the patient insisted on continuing treatment for another year before going for a check-up. Therefore, the patient continued taking the medication until after the Spring Festival in 2018 before going to the hospital for a check-up, which showed that the right hip joint was normal and both legs were of equal length. The patient has now returned to normal work.

[0035] Second, Mr. Liu, male, born in 1945, from Jingzhou City, Hubei Province. In October 2012, he was admitted to the hospital for examination due to right hip pain for one day. Both lower limbs were of equal length, and right hip movement was limited. An MRI of the hip joint diagnosed right femoral head necrosis. Due to the patient's age, surgery was not performed, and rest and conservative treatment were chosen. He sought medical help at the end of 2013. Because of the patient's advanced age and limited mobility, I chose to conduct a home visit. Due to hip pain, the patient spent most of his time in bed and needed assistance to get up. Based on the patient's age and symptoms, I formulated a treatment plan for this herbal paste, 20 grams twice daily, for three months as one course of treatment. At the follow-up visit after three months, the pain had significantly improved, and he could lie down and get up on his own, but walking was still difficult. The original plan was continued for another course of treatment. At the follow-up visit after six months, the patient reported that the pain was tolerable, he could get in and out of bed on his own, and could walk independently. Because the patient refused to go to the hospital and insisted on only taking the herbal paste I prescribed, a long-term follow-up treatment and maintenance plan was developed after discussing with the family. Since stopping medication at the end of 2016, he has had no difficulty taking care of himself.

[0036] Third, Mr. Xu, male, born in 1963, from Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province. In June 2017, he was admitted to the hospital for examination due to left hip pain. The examination revealed positive percussion tenderness on the longitudinal surface of the left hip, limited range of motion, a positive Patrick's test, and MRI showing avascular necrosis of the femoral head in the left hip joint. In September of the same year, he came to Jingzhou for treatment through a referral. Due to the pain, his gait had become noticeably uneven in leg length, requiring the use of painkillers. Based on the patient's condition, I formulated a treatment plan using this herbal paste, one course of treatment lasting three months, twice daily, 25 grams each time. After three months, a follow-up examination showed significant symptom relief, requiring only painkillers every two days. The leg length discrepancy was no longer noticeable. The original treatment plan was continued for another course. Six months later, a follow-up examination showed that his gait was completely normal, and he no longer needed painkillers. At the request of the patient and his family, he continued to use the medication for consolidation and maintenance until 2021 when an MRI examination showed his left hip joint was normal, at which point he discontinued the medication.

[0037] 4. Mr. Liang, male, born in 1963, from Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province. In March 2019, he was admitted to the hospital for examination due to left hip pain. The Patrick's test was negative, and MRI showed avascular necrosis of the left femoral head. Based on the patient's condition, a treatment plan was formulated, with this herbal paste taken twice daily, 25 grams each time, for three months as one course of treatment. After three months, a follow-up examination showed significant improvement in pain, and the original plan was continued for another course. At the six-month follow-up examination, the pain had completely disappeared. It was recommended to continue consolidation treatment and maintenance. In early 2022, an MRI examination showed that the left hip joint was normal, and the medication was discontinued.

[0038] 5. Mr. Wan, male, born in 1971, from Yichang City, Hubei Province. In August 2019, he was admitted to the hospital for examination due to right hip pain for two months. Passive flexion of the right hip and limited active range of motion were observed. MRI showed avascular necrosis of the femoral head in the right hip joint. In September of the same year, he came to Jingzhou for treatment through a referral. The doctor prescribed this herbal paste based on the patient's condition, 25 grams twice daily, for a three-month course of treatment. A follow-up examination after three months showed significant symptom relief. The original treatment plan was continued for another course. A follow-up examination six months later showed that the pain symptoms had basically disappeared. Since no follow-up visit was made, it was only recommended to continue consolidation treatment until 2022, when an MRI of the right hip joint was normal.

[0039] 6. Ms. Feng, born in 1952, is from Jingzhou City, Hubei Province. In 2021, she was admitted to the hospital for examination due to right hip pain for two years. Her right hip joint showed passive flexion and limited range of motion; the Patrick's test was positive; and an MRI revealed femoral head necrosis. She sought medical attention after the Spring Festival in 2022, walking with a limp and appearing distressed. Based on her condition, a treatment plan was formulated: 25 grams of this herbal paste twice daily for three months as one course of treatment. After three months, a follow-up examination showed significant improvement in her limp, and her expression was more relaxed. The original treatment plan was continued for another course. Six months later, a follow-up examination showed that the limp was no longer noticeable, her expression was relaxed, and the pain was minimal. It was recommended to continue the original treatment plan. After about a year, the pain and limp disappeared, she was able to live independently, and could engage in basic agricultural work, but she did not undergo any imaging examinations at the hospital.

[0040] 7. Mr. Zhu, male, born in 1972, from Yichang City, Hubei Province. In June 2022, he was admitted to the hospital due to right hip pain and weakness for more than 8 years, making it impossible for him to participate in normal work. Examination revealed passive flexion of the right hip joint and severely limited range of motion. The Patrick's test was positive, and MRI showed avascular necrosis of the femoral head in the right hip joint. The patient refused surgery and opted for conservative treatment for six months. He came to me during the Spring Festival of 2023. At that time, the patient was using a single crutch and limping, suffering from severe pain and requiring daily painkillers. Based on the patient's condition, I formulated a treatment plan of this herbal paste, 25 grams twice a day, for three months as one course of treatment. After three months, at the follow-up visit, the pain symptoms had significantly decreased. With painkillers taken every three days, he could walk briefly without crutches, and the original treatment plan was continued. After six months, at the follow-up visit, he had stopped using painkillers and had not used crutches for about a month, but still had a limping posture. I recommended continuing the original treatment plan. By the time of the follow-up examination during the Spring Festival in 2024, the pain had completely disappeared, and the limping posture was no longer visible. It was recommended to continue the original herbal ointment treatment for consolidation and maintenance. In March 2025, the hospital MRI examination was normal, and medication was discontinued. Since then, all aspects of her condition have been normal, and she has been able to participate in normal agricultural work.

[0041] 8. Zeng, male, born in 1973, from Jingzhou City, Hubei Province. He was admitted to the hospital in October 2023 due to right hip pain for 5 years. Examination revealed mild muscle atrophy in the right lower limb, limited right hip flexion and movement, a positive Patrick's test, and MRI showing right femoral head necrosis. He sought medical treatment from me after the Spring Festival in 2024. Based on the patient's condition, a treatment plan was formulated: 25 grams of this herbal paste twice daily for three months as one course of treatment. After three months, a follow-up examination showed significant pain reduction, and improved hip flexion and movement. The original plan was continued for another course. Six months later, a follow-up examination showed normal hip joint movement and near-complete disappearance of pain. It was recommended to continue the original plan for another six months for consolidation treatment. In March 2025, during a follow-up examination, the family strongly requested continued consolidation and maintenance. In December 2025, a hospital follow-up examination showed good right hip flexion and movement, and an MRI showed good right hip joint condition, at which point medication was discontinued.

[0042] Case 9: Ms. Huang, born in 2020, from Yichang City, Hubei Province. During the Spring Festival of 2024, she was admitted to the hospital due to weakness and discomfort in her right hip joint, which had persisted for a year and worsened over the past week. Examination revealed tenderness in the right hip and surrounding areas, a positive Patrick's test, and MRI showed avascular necrosis of the femoral head in the right hip joint. Due to the patient's refusal of surgery, conservative treatment was initiated. In November 2024, when she came to Jingzhou for treatment, she could move freely with the aid of painkillers, but her limp was pronounced and she experienced severe pain. Based on her condition, a treatment plan was developed: 25 grams of this herbal paste twice daily for three months as one course of treatment. After three months, a follow-up examination showed significant reduction in pain, limping, and weakness. She could discontinue painkillers without heavy lifting, and the original treatment plan continued. Six months later, a follow-up examination showed complete disappearance of pain, weakness, and limping, and she no longer needed painkillers. Treatment continued according to the original plan until December 2025, with all aspects of her condition remaining stable. A follow-up examination at the end of 2026 is expected.

[0043] This traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head is based on the five internal organs of the human body. Under the premise that the kidneys are the foundation of innate essence, it follows the pharmacological treatment principles of tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, invigorating the spleen, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, and astringing and promoting tissue regeneration, thus effectively restoring the necrotic femoral head. At the same time, because the medicine is fast-acting and has a short treatment course, it greatly reduces the financial burden on patients.

Claims

1. A traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head, characterized in that: The components of the aforementioned traditional Chinese medicine ointment include the following components in parts by weight: Burned bones and broken bones (30-50 parts), nourishing herbs (20-30 parts) Dipsacus asper (10-15 parts) and Psoralea corylifolia (10-15 parts) Stir-fried yam (15-30 parts) and pork bones (10-15 parts) Tortoise shell (10-15 parts) and ground beetle (5-10 parts) Achyranthes bidentata (10-15 parts) and frankincense (10-15 parts) Myrrh (10-15 parts) and blood dragon (10-15 parts).

2. The traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preferred components of the traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head are as follows (in parts by weight): Burnt bone-strengthening herb (35-40 parts), Epimedium (20-25 parts) Dipsacus asper (10-13 parts) and Psoralea corylifolia (13-15 parts) Stir-fried yam (20-25 parts) and pork ribs (15 parts) Tortoise shell (10-12 parts) and ground beetle (8-10 parts) Achyranthes bidentata (15 parts), Frankincense (10-12 parts) Myrrh (10-12 parts) and blood dragon (13-15 parts).

3. The traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the aforementioned traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head, the principal ingredient is *Drynaria fortunei* (fire-burned bone-setting herb); the assistant ingredients are tortoise shell and epimedium; the adjuvant ingredients are *Dipsacus asper*, stir-fried yam, Achyranthes bidentata, and Eupolyphaga sinensis; and the guiding ingredients are Psoralea corylifolia, dragon bone, frankincense, myrrh, and dragon's blood.

4. The traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preparation method of this traditional Chinese medicine ointment for treating avascular necrosis of the femoral head includes the following steps: prepare fine powders of dragon's blood, frankincense, and myrrh; mix the remaining herbs together and soak in 20 liters of water for three to six hours, then bring to a boil over high heat and simmer over medium heat for six to seven hours; extract the juice and concentrate it until it forms beads when dropped into water, then add the powders of dragon's blood, frankincense, and myrrh, stir well, remove from heat, and let cool completely before bottling for later use.

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