Buerger's disease--a review of 105 patients.

One hundred and five cases (101 males and four females) of Buerger's disease occurring in Hong Kong have been reviewed. In the foot the digits affected were predominantly the big, second and little toes, whereas in the hand the index and middle fingers were most commonly involved. There was no selective involvement of the left or right side in the upper or lower extremities. The majority of patients were operated on and had amputation, sympathectomy, or both procedures performed. Major lower limb amputation was carried out in 22.6% of patients with lower limb involvement. Reconstructive arterial surgery was possible in only four patients, and early failure of grafts in three patients resulted in major amputation.