Correction of post-traumatic lower limb deformities using the Taylor spatial frame

Abstract

Twenty-five post-traumatic leg length discrepancies combined with axial deviation in 22 patients were treated with the Taylor spatial frame. We retrospectively analysed the accuracy of correction, the complication rate and the clinical outcome including the duration of treatment. The cases were divided into three sub-groups according to the level of the osteotomy. The mean age at operation was 22.7 years; the mean follow-up was 21.1 months. The patients presented uniplanar and multiplanar deformities in combination with leg length discrepancy. Twenty-one of 25 cases showed a frontal plane malalignment preoperatively. Only three of those 21 cases continued to show minimal malalignment postoperatively. The preoperative mechanical axis deviation present in 15 of 17 lower extremities was fully corrected in 13 extremities. The 25 lengthening and correction procedures were associated with a total of 61 difficulties, including 44 problems, seven obstacles and ten complications. In conclusion, the Taylor spatial frame allows accurate results in correction of complex post-traumatic deformities with minimal morbidity.

Comparative clinical study on deformity correction accuracy of different external fixators

“…A slight shortening still exists, requiring a further, simple lengthening procedure (f, g) this reason, it is essential to identify patient groups for which spatial fixators would play a significantly effective role. Various studies have been performed with spatial fixators, mostly case reports or case series [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Few comparative studies have been published [5,20].…”

Modern Techniques in Knee Arthrodesis

“…However, the labor of maintaining the frame, cosmetic discomfort, less predictable fusion rates, frequent pin-site infections, and long treatment times, stand as a few of the procedure's shortcomings [42][43][44][45][46] . Kuchinad et al, in their study of 16 patients who underwent a knee arthrodesis using an Ilizarov frame, achieved fusion at a rate of 93.8% (15 of 16 patients) with an average leg length discrepancy of 38.8 mm, both values being consistent with previous studies (71.4%-93.8%; 28-45.3 mm respectively) [42][43][44]47] (Table 1).…”

Intentional Deformation and Closure of Soft Tissue Defect in Open Tibial Fractures With a Taylor Spatial Frame—A Simple Technique

“…3,[8][9][10][11] However, there is a considerable learning curve in understanding the parameters required to make use of the powerful web-based software. Strut adjustment allows for 6 different axes of movement, giving the frame the ability to correct complex deformities.…”