Buerger’s Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)- Management by Ilizarov’s Technique of Horizontal Distraction-A Prospective Interventional Study
In Buerger’s disease, the effectiveness of conservative treatment remains uncertain. Arterial reconstructive surgery is not a viable option, and sympathectomy plays only a limited role. As the disease progresses, amputation becomes inevitable. The Ilizarov method has been shown to enhance vascularization in ischemic limbs. A prospective Interventional study was conducted on 60 patients who underwent this technique. Immediate outcomes were assessed based on factors such as rest pain, skin color, venous return, limb temperature, oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry, and healing of ulcers or amputation stump wounds. Early and late results were evaluated using parameters including rest pain relief, ulcer and stump healing (with or without plastic coverage), walking capacity, return to previous occupation, and ability to move independently at home. The average follow-up period was 63 months. The immediate results were promising, with the exception of two cases requiring amputation. Early outcomes were rated as excellent to good in 56 patients, while late outcomes were excellent to good in 48 patients. Disease progression was significantly linked to continued smoking. Overall, the Ilizarov technique is a highly effective and cost-efficient approach for managing Buerger’s disease.
Keywords: Thromboangiitis obliterans, Buerger’s disease, Ilizarov, Fixator, Neo-angiogenesis, Lateral distraction
