Buerger’s Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)- Management by Ilizarov’s Technique of Horizontal Distraction. A Retrospective Study of 60 Cases

In Buerger’s disease conservative treatment is questionable. Arterial reconstructive surgery is not feasible and sympathectomy has limited role. Progression of the disease invariably leads to amputation. Ilizarov’s method increases the vascularity of the ischaemic limb. Retrospective analysis of Ilizarov’s technique in 60 patients was done. Immediate results took into account rest pain, colour of skin, venous return, temperature, pulse oxymeter measured oxygen saturation and ulcer/amputation stump wound healing. Early and late results took into account rest pain, healing of ulcers/amputation stump with or without plastic coverage, claudication distance, resumption of previous occupation and domestic ambulation. The mean follow up of patients was 63 months. Immediate results were promising except two amputations. Early result were excellent to good in 56 and late results were excellent to good in 48 patients. Deterioration had significant correlation with smoking. Ilizarov’s method is an excellent and cheap procedure in treatment of Buerger’s disease.