Treatment of Buerger’s Disease by Bone Widening by Ilizarov Technique.

Background: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a chronic inflammatory arteritis affecting small/medium arteries, predominantly of lower limbs. It is difficult to get good results with conservative treatment; response rates with surgical treatment options such as sympathectomy are inconsistent. Other options such as omentopexy are costly and have high complication rates. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with TAO were treated using bone widening technique using Ilizarov external fixator and results analyzed. Results: We present our early experience in managing TAO by bone widening by Ilizarov method. Ilizarov technique gave excellent results, as indicated by subsidence of pain (though gradual), increase in peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (>95%), and increase in claudication distance (1-5 km). Conclusion: A bone widening technique using Ilizarov method can be a good alternative in the treatment of Buerger’s disease. It is excellent and cost-effective method.

Treatment of Tibial Fractures by Ilizarov Technique: A Longitudinal Study.

Introduction: Ilizarov technique has many advantages over conventional orthopedic treatment of fractures. It is minimally invasive and permits accurate reduction and alignment of comminuted, diaphyseal, and juxta-articular fractures. Acute infections following immediate fixation with nail or plate can be effectively managed with Ilizarov fixator. Materials and Methods: In the present study, twenty patients with tibia fractures were operated with Ilizarov over a period of 2 consecutive years and the results were analyzed. Fixator used is Ilizarov external fixator with Schanz pins and tensioned wires. Results: Results were assessed using bone score (ASAMI) and lower extremity functional scale. 68.4% had excellent, 15.8% patients had good, 5.3% patients had fair, and 10.5% patients had poor result. 57.9% patients had minimal disability, 26.3% patients had moderate disability, 10.5% patients had severe disability, and 1 patient crippled. Conclusion: Ilizarov circular fixation is an ideal method for fracture when extensive dissection and internal fixation are contraindicated due to trauma to soft tissue, deficiency of bone stock, infection, and comminuted fracture.