BUERGER'S

DISEASE

Orthopedic Nursing RLE Report

by Zhaira Lynne G. Cabana
BSN-III
Definition
• rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs.
• (a.k.a) THROMBOANGIITIS OBLITERANS - blood vessels
become swell and can become blocked with thrombi
• Can damage skin tissues which can cause
– infection
– gangrene
• first occurs in hands/ feet
• then larger areas of arms and legs
Symptoms
• Tingling/ numbness in extremities
• Pale, reddish or blue-tinted hands/ feet
• Intermittent pain
• Inflammation (due to a blood clot in the vein)
• Fingers and toes turn pale when exposed to cold (Raynaud's
phenomenon)
• Painful open sores on fingers & toes
Causes
• SPECIFIC CAUSE IS
UNKNOWN
Risk Factors
• TOBACCO USE (greatest risk)
• smoking hand-rolled cigarettes using raw tobacco
• smoking more than a pack and half of cigarettes a day

• SEX - more common in males

• AGE - common in persons less than 45 y/o

Diagnosis
• ANGIOGRAPHY -A special dye helps make any artery blockages easier
to see.
• ALLEN'S TEST -
– To check blood flow through the arteries carrying blood into the hands.
– First, make a tight fist (forces the blood out of the hand)
– the doctor alternately compresses the arteries at each side of the wrist to slow
the flow of blood in the hands.
– Then, opens the hand and the doctor releases the compression.
Treatment
• Medications-
– to dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow or dissolve blood
clots
• Smoking Cessation -
– Although no treatment can cure Buerger's disease, the most
effective way to stop worsening is to quit using tobacco
• Intermittent compression of arm/ legs
– to improve circulation
Surgical Management

• Amputation
– if infection or gangrene occurs
• Debridement
– to remove diseased bone and
tissue
Nursing Care
• TSB (fever mgmt.)
• increase fluid intake & eat nutritious foods.
• Keep the affected area clean, dry and free from bruises,
abrasions etc.
• Infection precaution
• Active/passive exercises for both the affected & unaffected area
as tolerated.
• Health education: healthy lifestyle (refraining from smoking)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/
buergers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350658