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

ABSTRACT

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.