Management of Buerger’s Disease (TAO) With Ilizarov (A Retrospective Study of 18 Cases)

doi:10.15406/mojor.2015.03.00099

MOJ

eISSN: 2374-6939

Orthopedics & Rheumatology

Research Article Volume 3 Issue 4

Management of Buerger’s Disease (TAO) With Ilizarov (A Retrospective Study of 18 Cases)

Bari MM,¹

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Shahidul Islam,² Rouf AHMA,³ Mahfuzer Rahman²

¹Chief Consultant, Bari-Ilizarov Orthopaedic Centre, Visiting and Honored Prof., Russian Ilizarov Scientific Centre, Russia
²Bari-Ilizarov Orthopaedic Centre, Bangladesh
³Jessore Medical College & Hospital, Bangladesh

Correspondence: Mofakhkharul Bari, Chief Consultant, Bari-Ilizarov Orthopaedic Centre, Visiting and Honored Professor, Russian Ilizarov Scientific Centre, Kurgan, Tel +88 01819 211595

Received: October 08, 2015 | Published: October 15, 2015

Citation: Bari MM, Islam S, Rouf AHMA, Rahman M (2015) Management of Buerger’s Disease (Tao) With Ilizarov (A Retrospective Study of 18 Cases). MOJ Orthop Rheumatol 3(4): 00099. DOI: 10.15406/mojor.2015.03.00099

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Introduction

Buerger’s Disease (Thrombo Angiitis Obliterans- TAO) is an episodic, segmental inflammatory thrombotic disease that most commonly affects the arteries and superficial veins resulting signs and symptoms of ischaemia of both upper and lower limbs usually in men between 25 to 45 years of age. The etiology of TAO is unknown, seen very commonly in smokers.^1,2The standard treatment modalities include, discontinue using tobacco, food care, calcium channel blockers, prostaglandin analogues, revascularization, lumbar sympathectomy, amputation- if all the above fails.

Materials and methods

All the 18 patients, were male, a chronic smoker.

C/C: Discoloration of foot associated with blebs, coldness and swelling of the foot. All patients had severe nocturnal rest pain.
O/E: Popliteal and distal pulses were not palpable in the foot. Mild discoloration was present and popliteal and distal pulses were feeble.

Investigations

Arterial Doppler study of the limb showed atheroseterotic disease of anterior and posterior tibial artery with numerous collaterals in the lower leg.

Surgical procedure

The surgical procedure was performed at the antero-lateral part of the tibia approximately 12 cm long and 2 cm wide. The Ilizarov device consists of 2 rings and 4-6 olive wires linked to a lateral plate. Osteotomy done above and below and below the olive wires meticulously. The tibial section has been moved approx. 1 mm/day for 3 weeks.^1-4 The clinical status improved within a few weeks. Cure of trophic ulcers observed and no more pain. Arteriogram on the 2nd month improved circulatory result.

In view of the above symptoms Ilizarov external fixator was applied in the right or left leg with vertical corticotomy of the proximal and middle 1/3 of the tibia, distraction continued for 3 weeks. Ilizarov external fixator was removal after 8-10 weeks depending upon the cases. After removal of Ilizarov apparatus plaster cast was applied for 3 weeks. The treatment of TAO and limb salvage was successful by this method. Ilizarov external fixator in the proximal half of the tibia followed by distraction of this procedure creates neovascularization in blood circulation of the lower limbs, which relieves the patient’s pain and ischaemic symptoms.^5-7

Observation and results

Presently all the patients are doing well except of 2 cases, in which amputation was done, due to inappropriate selection of the patient. Almost all the patients nocturnal rest pain had totally disappeared for the last 5 years.

Results

A 44 years old male suffers from TAO (Stage 3) of the lower extremities. The sequelae are most prominent on the left with permanent pain and major trophic ulcer over the left great toe. His walking distance was a quarter km. 16 months before he had a bilateral lumbar sympathectomy which could not improve the situation (Table 1 & Figure 1).

Figure 1 Case 1.

Before treatment
Trophic ulcer of the great toe showing improvement after 1½ months
Widening of Tibia after removal of the Ilizarov fixator.
After treatment.

(11 Years)	Cases
Relived of pain	15 cases
Partial relief	1 case
Amputation (due to gangrene) improper selection of the patient	2 cases

Table 1 Study period January 2003 to January 2013

Pre-surgery arteriogram confirmed

Extreme degree of involvement- left anterior and posterior arteries are totally occluded at their proximal part. A surgical procedure was performed on 22nd March, 2009. Sequential follow up 1 2 3 4 (Figure 2 & 3).

Figure 2 Case 2

TAO in a 44 yrs Old man.
During treatment with Ilizarov.
Widening of Tibia after removal of the Ilizarov fixator.
After treatment great toe ulcer is cured.

Figure 3 Case 3. completely cured ulcers.

Discussion and conclusion

Ilizarov external fixator in the management of TAO and limb salvage is an excellent procedure which serves four purposes.

Law of tension-stress “Slow and steady traction on a living tissue creates a stress that stimulates metabolic activation and maintains regeneration and active growth of that tissue (bone, muscles, fascia, tendon, nerve, vessels, skin and its appendages)”.
Corticotomy- Low energy osteotomy with the preservation of periosteum, endosteum and bone marrow.
Distraction osteogenesis (0.25mm x4)-Mechanical induction of bony surfaces that is gradually pulled apart in a controlled manner.
Myriads of ring fixators- More than 700 configurations are available.

Corticotomy of the proximal and middle tibia followed by distraction and regeneration increases the girth of the tibia, also increases the blood circulation of the lower limbs, relieving the pain. The cases reported here was posted for amputation by the vascular surgeons, who did not have any other option for treatment. Hence we, re-affirm that Academician Prof. Ilizarov’s method of treatment does help some patients suffering from TAO.^8-10