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Taylor Spatial Frame

The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is a hexapod external fixator device used in orthopedic surgery to treat complex fractures and correct multiplanar limb deformities in both adult and pediatric patients.^[1] Consisting of two circular rings connected by six adjustable telescopic struts, the TSF enables simultaneous correction of deformities in six axes—three translations and three rotations—through minimally invasive pin fixation and computer-assisted planning based on preoperative imaging.^[1]^[2] Developed by orthopedic surgeon J. Charles Taylor and his brother, engineer Harold Taylor, in 1994 and first applied clinically in 1995, the TSF draws on principles of projective geometry and the Stewart platform to provide precise, gradual adjustments via a web-based software program that calculates strut lengths for deformity correction.^[1] Patented in 1997 and commercialized by Smith & Nephew, it represents an advancement over traditional circular fixators like the Ilizarov frame by reducing the need for multiple surgical interventions and offering higher accuracy in multi-axis adjustments.^[1]^[2] Clinically, the TSF is applied to a range of conditions, including acute tibial and femoral fractures, post-traumatic malunions, congenital deformities such as Blount's disease, and angular corrections in the foot, ankle, and upper extremities.^[1] Studies report success rates exceeding 90% for deformity correction, with advantages including stable fixation for small bone fragments, shorter treatment durations compared to conventional methods, and low complication rates when managed with proper software-guided protocols.^[1]^[2] The device's versatility has made it a standard tool in limb reconstruction, particularly for challenging cases requiring lengthening, angulation, rotation, and translation simultaneously.^[1]

History and Development

Invention and Key Milestones

The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) was invented in 1994 by J. Charles Taylor, an orthopedic surgeon, and his brother Harold S. Taylor, an engineer, as an advancement in circular external fixation systems designed to address complex limb deformities and fractures.^[1] This hexapod device built upon the foundational principles of the Ilizarov apparatus, a circular fixator developed in the mid-20th century, by incorporating six adjustable struts to enable precise multi-planar corrections in all six degrees of freedom—three translations and three rotations—without requiring frame disassembly.^[3] The design drew inspiration from Stewart platforms used in robotics, allowing for controlled adjustments that improved accuracy over traditional hinged frames.^[4] The initial patent for the TSF was filed in 1996 and granted in 2005 (European Patent EP0814714B1), marking a key step toward commercialization.^[5] The first clinical application occurred in 1995, with the device becoming widely available for surgical use by 1996, primarily for treating multiplanar deformities in the tibia and femur.^[1] In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted 510(k) clearance (K970748) for the TSF External Fixation System, confirming its safety and effectiveness for orthopedic indications such as fracture stabilization and deformity correction.^[6] A significant milestone came in the early 2000s with the integration of computer software for preoperative planning and postoperative adjustments, enhancing the device's precision. By 2002, a web-based program was introduced, allowing surgeons to input radiographic data to generate customized correction schedules, which reduced operative times and improved outcomes in complex cases.^[1] This software advancement solidified the TSF's role in modern orthopedics, leading to its adoption in approximately 44 peer-reviewed studies by 2016.^[7]

Design Evolution

The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF), originally invented by J. Charles Taylor and Harold S. Taylor in the mid-1990s as a hexapod-based external fixator for multi-axis deformity correction, has undergone several refinements to enhance patient comfort, surgical efficiency, and imaging compatibility.^[4] In the early 2000s, the design shifted toward lighter materials, with the incorporation of carbon fiber rings replacing earlier aluminum or metal options, reducing the frame's overall weight while preserving structural integrity and allowing for better patient mobility during treatment.^[8] These carbon fiber components also provided inherent radiolucency, minimizing imaging artifacts in initial applications, though further optimizations for radiolucent struts and connectors emerged in the 2010s to improve intraoperative and follow-up X-ray visualization without frame disassembly.^[9] Software advancements have been central to the TSF's evolution, with the initial web-based Taylor Spatial Frame software released in 2002 to enable 3D modeling of deformities and virtual simulation of adjustments, allowing surgeons to prescribe precise strut lengthening schedules remotely.^[1] Subsequent updates, including the SMART TSF software suite in the late 2010s, incorporated enhanced radiographic analysis tools for more accurate mounting parameter calculations. In 2021, the FDA granted 510(k) clearance (K210953) for the SMART TSF system, featuring cloud-based architecture, a Beacon for X-ray calibration, and the myTSF mobile app for patient adjustment tracking.^[10] Though integration of AI-assisted planning for automated deformity prediction remains an emerging area without widespread TSF-specific adoption as of 2025.^[11] Hardware iterations continued with the introduction of Version 2.0 features around 2012, including quick-release mechanisms in the Fast FX struts that facilitate rapid adjustments and exchanges during postoperative corrections, reducing operative time for strut changes by enabling tool-free lengthening up to 0.25 mm increments.^[12] Additionally, design enhancements improved compatibility with hybrid fixators, allowing seamless integration of TSF rings with linear rail systems for combined circular and monolateral stabilization in complex cases like segmental fractures.^[13]

Design and Mechanics

Structural Components

The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is a modular external fixation system composed of two primary full rings—a proximal ring and a distal ring—connected by six independently adjustable telescopic struts, forming a hexapod configuration that enables precise deformity correction.^[6] These rings are affixed to the bone segments via tensioned wires or pins, creating a stable circular construct around the limb.^[14] The rings are available in full, half, or two-thirds configurations to accommodate varying anatomical needs, with internal diameters ranging from 105 mm to 300 mm in 25 mm increments for full rings for optimal fit to the bone and soft tissues.^[15]^[16] Constructed primarily from lightweight aluminum alloy for durability and radiolucency, the rings feature multiple bolt holes and slots for secure attachment of fixation elements and struts.^[14] Bone fixation is achieved using olive wires (1.8 mm diameter, tensioned to 90-130 kg) passed through the bone and secured to the ring, or hydroxyapatite-coated half-pins (5-6 mm diameter) inserted into the bone cortex and clamped to the ring, providing multidirectional stability.^[17] Each of the six struts is a telescoping mechanism with a functional length adjustable from approximately 75 mm to 285 mm across short, medium, and long variants, allowing for incremental changes as small as 0.25 mm via threaded extension.^[16] At each end, the struts connect to the rings via articulating ball joints (universal joints) that permit two degrees of rotational freedom, facilitating six-axis adjustments without disassembling the frame.^[6] This design supports the TSF's biomechanical advantage in enabling simultaneous correction of translation, angulation, and rotation in multiple planes.^[1] Modern iterations, such as the SMART TSF, incorporate struts with less axial play for enhanced precision.^[18] Accessory components enhance modularity and application-specific functionality, including base plates for mounting additional rings in multi-level constructs, threaded connectors for linking partial rings, and optional foot plates or horseshoe arches for lower limb support in ankle or foot deformities.^[19] These elements are compatible with standard TSF hardware, allowing customization while maintaining the system's overall rigidity.^[18]

Biomechanical Principles

The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) operates on biomechanical principles that enable precise control over six degrees of freedom at the osteotomy or fracture site, facilitating complex deformity corrections. These degrees include three translational movements along the x (mediolateral), y (anteroposterior), and z (proximodistal) axes, as well as three rotational movements: varus-valgus in the coronal plane, procurvatum-recurvatum in the sagittal plane, and internal-external rotation in the transverse plane. This hexapod configuration, with two full rings connected by six independently adjustable telescopic struts arranged in a Stewart platform geometry, allows differential lengthening or shortening of the struts to achieve simultaneous adjustments in all planes without requiring frame reconfiguration.^[14] Deformity correction with the TSF relies on kinematic calculations to determine strut adjustments based on the residual deformity in each plane. The residual deformity Δ is computed as the vector difference between the original malaligned position and the desired corrected alignment (Δ = original - corrected), incorporating angular and translational components across the six axes. Strut length modifications are then derived using trigonometric relationships inherent to the hexapod system; for instance, in a simplified displacement scenario, the adjusted strut length L can be expressed as L = \sqrt{d^2 + h^2}, where d represents the linear displacement in the plane perpendicular to the strut axis and h is the vertical height between rings. These computations are typically performed via specialized software that integrates radiographic measurements to prescribe precise millimeter-level changes, ensuring gradual and controlled bone segment realignment.^[14] In terms of load-sharing mechanics, the TSF promotes osteogenesis by distributing axial loads between the frame and the healing bone, allowing controlled mechanical stimulation for callus formation. Biomechanical testing reveals that the TSF frame alone exhibits an axial stiffness of 645 N/mm, lower than the 1269 N/mm of comparable Ilizarov constructs, which facilitates greater load transfer to the bone during weight-bearing activities. When integrated with bone models using half-pins, the TSF achieves axial rigidity of approximately 107 N/mm, comparable to fine-wire systems, while demonstrating superior resistance to bending (78 Nm/degree) and torsion (16 Nm/degree). This balanced load-sharing profile supports progressive dynamization, with minor laxity (e.g., 0.72 mm at ±10 N axial loads) that does not compromise overall healing stability.^[14] Stability in the TSF is enhanced by design factors such as ring diameter relative to bone size, which influences moment arms and soft tissue interactions. Smaller ring diameters increase frame stiffness by reducing the lever arm for applied forces, thereby minimizing pin-bone interface stresses and soft tissue impingement; the smallest ring diameter that allows at least 2 cm clearance between the ring and the skin is recommended to maximize stiffness while accommodating potential swelling. Full-ring configurations further augment torsional and bending resistance compared to partial rings, contributing to the frame's ability to maintain alignment under physiologic loads up to several hundred newtons.^[14]^[20]

Surgical Procedures

Preoperative Planning

Preoperative planning for the Taylor Spatial Frame involves a comprehensive patient evaluation to assess the extent and nature of the bone deformity or fracture. This begins with a clinical history and physical examination, focusing on gait analysis, leg length discrepancies, and rotational alignment to identify functional impairments and overall limb mechanics. Special attention is given to quantifying the deformity's impact on joint function and weight-bearing capacity. Radiographic imaging forms the cornerstone of this evaluation, utilizing full-length standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays, such as 51-inch erect bipedal frontal views and 36-inch lateral radiographs, to measure key parameters including mechanical axis deviation (MAD), exemplified by cases with 78-mm medial deviation, and joint orientation angles like the lateral distal femoral angle (87°) and posterior proximal tibial angle. These images, often supplemented with scanograms for accurate length assessment, enable precise identification of angular, translational, and shortening components. In complex cases involving rotational deformities, computed tomography (CT) scans provide essential three-dimensional data to enhance measurement accuracy beyond standard radiographs. The center of rotation of angulation is determined by intersecting proximal and distal mechanical axes on these images. Software-based planning is conducted using the web-based Taylor Spatial Frame software, which processes 13 measurements derived from AP and lateral radiographs—covering angular, rotational, translational, and length deviations—to create virtual three-dimensional models of the deformity. This tool simulates the correction trajectory, accounting for biomechanical principles such as multiplanar adjustments, and generates customized strut prescriptions, including initial lengths and detailed adjustment schedules (e.g., 1 mm/day rates) for postoperative use. Validation occurs through generated stick-figure images in multiple planes to confirm the planned outcome. A multidisciplinary team, including the orthopedic surgeon, radiologist for imaging interpretation, and biomechanist for software validation, collaborates to refine the plan and ensure alignment with patient-specific goals. Frame customization tailors ring sizes and strut lengths (e.g., 145-mm medium struts) to the limb's dimensions and deformity severity, such as angular corrections exceeding 15° where external fixation offers superior control over internal methods.

Implantation Techniques

The implantation of the Taylor Spatial Frame is typically performed under general or regional anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and allow for intraoperative monitoring of nerve function, with paralyzing agents avoided if regional techniques are used. The patient is positioned supine on a radiolucent operating table, with the affected limb elevated or internally rotated using supportive sheets to facilitate access and fluoroscopic imaging while keeping the patella facing upward.^[21]^[22]^[23] Wire and pin insertion constitutes the initial fixation phase, utilizing 1.8-mm diameter Ilizarov or olive wires and hydroxyapatite-coated half-pins for secure attachment to the bone segments. Typically, 2 to 3 crossed wires (at 30-90° angles) are placed per ring to achieve perpendicularity to the bone's mechanical axis, such as starting 14 mm distal to the lateral tibial plateau for proximal tibial fixation or orthogonally to the long axis for distal segments; half-pins are preferentially used in metaphyseal areas for enhanced stability, with 2 to 4 total fixation points per ring. Placement avoids neurovascular structures, including careful trajectory assessment near the common peroneal nerve during fibular head wiring if rotation correction is required.^[21]^[22]^[23]^[24] Following fixation, the frame is assembled by attaching full or partial rings (often two-thirds rings proximally and posteriorly to preserve joint motion) directly to the wires and pins, then interconnecting the rings with six medium-length adjustable struts configured according to the preoperative software blueprint for precise multiplanar alignment. Wires are tensioned post-insertion to 90-130 kg using a dedicated tensioner to optimize frame rigidity and load distribution.^[21]^[22]^[23]^[24] Real-time fluoroscopic guidance with a mobile C-arm is employed throughout to confirm wire perpendicularity, ring positioning, strut lengths, and overall alignment while minimizing risks to soft tissues and vessels. The procedure generally requires 1 to 2 hours for standard applications, with operative times averaging around 92 minutes in cases of complex or neglected deformities.^[21]^[22]^[23]

Postoperative Management

Deformity Correction Process

Following implantation of the Taylor Spatial Frame, residual deformity is assessed using postoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays of the affected limb segment, aligned parallel to the reference rings for accuracy. These radiographs measure parameters such as angular deviations, translations (typically targeting corrections of 5-10 mm in multi-planar gaps), rotations, and length discrepancies, with inputs entered into web-based software to generate a customized correction program.^[22]^[25]^[26] The adjustment schedule begins approximately one week after surgery, involving gradual lengthening or shortening of the six struts at a rate of 0.5-1 mm per day, often divided into multiple daily sessions (e.g., three turns of 0.25-0.33 mm each) to minimize discomfort and ensure precise control. Software-derived plans dictate the sequence and magnitude of strut turns, aiming for complete correction over 2-4 weeks in most cases of angular and translational deformities, with no need to alter the frame's montage during this phase.^[22]^[25] Progress is monitored through weekly clinical examinations to evaluate pain, joint motion, and neurovascular status, complemented by serial radiographs or scanograms every 1-2 weeks to verify alignment in all planes and adjust the program if secondary deformities emerge. In complex multi-planar cases, such as combined angular, rotational, and length issues, these assessments ensure the correction trajectory remains on track, with full-segment imaging used to track overall mechanical axis restoration.^[22]^[26] Correction can be performed acutely for stable fractures or simple deformities, allowing immediate full realignment through one-time strut adjustments to reduce frame time, or gradually via controlled distraction for non-unions, malunions, or soft-tissue contractures, which promotes safer bone regeneration and lowers neurovascular risks. The choice depends on deformity stability and patient factors, with gradual methods preferred for intricate cases to achieve precise outcomes over extended periods.^[22]^[25]

Dynamization and Adjustment

Dynamization in the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) represents a key mid-to-late postoperative phase aimed at promoting bone healing by introducing controlled axial loading and micromotion at the fracture or osteotomy site, building on the initial deformity correction achieved through strut adjustments. This process transitions the frame from rigid fixation to a more dynamic configuration, encouraging callus formation and consolidation while minimizing shear forces that could hinder union. The TSF's design, with its six adjustable struts, facilitates this by allowing selective modifications without full frame disassembly.^[25] The core concept of dynamization involves progressive unlocking or modification of struts to permit limited motion, typically starting with the removal or replacement of one strut around 6-8 weeks postoperatively to enable limited axial micromotion, typically 1-2 mm under load, relative to the bone segment. This is often achieved using specialized components like dynamization washers or modified shoulder bolts, which allow vertical displacement (averaging 1-2 mm under load) while preserving angular stability. Biomechanical evaluations confirm that such targeted dynamization enhances fracture healing rates by optimizing interfragmentary strain, with studies reporting improved union in complex tibial and femoral cases treated with the TSF. Full dynamization, involving further strut loosening or removal, occurs at 8-12 weeks once radiographs demonstrate bridging callus across at least three cortices, signifying adequate preliminary union for increased weight-bearing and loading.^[27]^[28]^[29] Fine-tuning during this phase addresses residual deformities, such as angular errors under 5° or minor translations, through secondary software-guided adjustments. Rotation-specific protocols are employed for torsional misalignments, utilizing the TSF's virtual hinge and "nudge" functions in the SMART software to calculate precise strut increments (e.g., 0.25 mm steps) for multi-axis corrections without reoperation. This iterative process ensures alignment accuracy, with clinical series showing residual errors reduced to less than 2° in over 90% of cases post-fine-tuning.^[30]^[11] Patient education plays a vital role in successful dynamization and adjustment, with home kits provided that include adjustment tools, sterile supplies, and personalized schedules for strut turns. Patients maintain diaries to log daily adjustments, pain levels, and any signs of complications like pin-site irritation, enabling remote monitoring and timely clinic interventions. This self-management approach, combined with regular radiographic follow-ups, supports compliance and reduces hospital visits during the 8-12 week consolidation period.^[17]^[21]

Frame Removal Protocol

The removal of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is indicated when radiographic evidence demonstrates bone consolidation, typically defined as bridging callus across at least three cortices on anteroposterior and lateral views, combined with clinical stability such as pain-free weight-bearing.^[31]^[21] This assessment usually occurs after a dynamization phase to confirm readiness, with frame duration often spanning 3-6 months depending on the deformity complexity and healing progress.^[32]^[33] The removal procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis under sedation or local anesthesia to minimize patient discomfort.^[34] It involves sequential disconnection of the six adjustable struts to loosen the frame, followed by cutting and extraction of the olive wires and half-pins using specialized cutters, and detachment of the rings from the bone. The process typically lasts 30-60 minutes, allowing for careful closure or dressing of pin sites to promote healing. Prophylactic antibiotics are administered perioperatively to mitigate infection risks at pin sites during extraction.^[35] Following frame removal, patients are fitted with a functional brace or cast for 4-6 weeks to support the consolidated bone and prevent refracture while allowing controlled weight-bearing.^[36] Physical therapy is initiated promptly to restore joint range of motion, strengthen surrounding muscles, and improve gait, with emphasis on gradual progression to avoid stress on the healing site.^[37]^[32] Pin-site scarring may occur but is managed through meticulous wound care and monitoring, with low incidence when protocols are followed.^[35]

Clinical Applications

Treatment of Fractures

The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is indicated for the treatment of complex comminuted fractures, such as those of the tibial pilon and distal femur, particularly when accompanied by significant soft tissue damage that precludes internal fixation.^[15]^[38] It is especially suitable for high-energy injuries where fracture stability must be achieved without further compromising vascularity or soft tissues.^[39] Additionally, the TSF serves as a primary fixation method for Gustilo type III open fractures, enabling thorough debridement and stabilization while minimizing infection risk through its non-invasive profile relative to plating.^[40] Compared to internal fixation techniques like intramedullary nailing or plating, the TSF offers distinct advantages in managing complex fractures prone to complications, including the ability to perform gradual deformity correction and bone lengthening concurrently with fracture stabilization.^[39] This is particularly beneficial in cases with high non-union rates (reported up to 25% in high-risk open tibial fractures), where the frame facilitates infection control via accessible pin sites and modular adjustments without requiring secondary surgeries for hardware removal.^[41]^[32] The external nature of the TSF also supports ongoing soft tissue monitoring and interventions, reducing the risk of compartment syndrome or wound complications that can arise from internal devices in contaminated fields.^[42] Clinical outcomes with the TSF for fracture treatment demonstrate high efficacy, with union rates ranging from 85% to 95% across reported series and meta-analyses of complex lower extremity injuries.^[43]^[44] Average healing times typically span 4 to 6 months, influenced by factors such as initial bone loss and patient comorbidities, during which the frame allows progressive weight-bearing to promote callus formation.^[45] Recent applications include double- or triple-stacked TSF constructs for segmental tibial fractures in high-energy trauma.^[46] In polytrauma scenarios, the TSF provides effective temporary stabilization of multiple lower extremity fractures, bridging the acute phase to definitive care and enabling damage control orthopedics with low rates of secondary instability.^[47]

Correction of Bone Deformities

The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is particularly effective for correcting congenital and acquired bone deformities, such as angular malalignments and limb length discrepancies, by enabling precise, gradual adjustments in multiple planes. Primary indications include angular deformities like those seen in Blount's disease, characterized by proximal tibial varus, procurvatum, and internal torsion, as well as post-traumatic malunions resulting from prior fractures or injuries.^[48]^[49] The device is also used to address limb length discrepancies, with corrections typically ranging up to 10 cm, often in combination with angular realignment to restore mechanical axis alignment.^[50]^[51] Key techniques involve strategic hinge placement at the apex of the deformity to facilitate controlled correction, utilizing a virtual hinge programmed via web-based software that eliminates the need for physical frame modifications.^[32] This allows for combined distraction-translation maneuvers, where struts are adjusted daily (typically 1–1.5 mm) to simultaneously address multi-planar deformities, including translation, angulation, and rotation, following an initial osteotomy.^[48]^[49] Long-term studies report high success rates, with approximately 90–94% of cases achieving correction accuracy within 3° of normal anatomical alignment for angular and rotational deformities.^[50]^[49] Specific applications include the treatment of ankle and knee contractures, such as equinus or flexion deformities, where the TSF provides stable fixation and gradual soft tissue adaptation with minimal complications.^[52]^[53] Additionally, the frame integrates well with osteotomies for acute corrections, enabling joint-preserving realignment in severe cases like multi-apical foot or tibial deformities through double osteotomy techniques.^[54]^[55]

Complications and Management

Infection Risks and Prevention

Infection represents a primary complication associated with the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF), a circular external fixator used for complex fracture management and deformity correction, primarily due to the transcutaneous placement of pins and wires that create potential portals for bacterial entry. Pin-site infections occur in 10-30% of cases, while deep infections affect approximately 5% of patients, often resulting from biofilm formation on the hardware surfaces that shields bacteria from host defenses and antibiotics.^[56]^[57]^[58] Several risk factors contribute to the development of these infections. Poor patient hygiene at pin sites increases bacterial colonization, while systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus elevate susceptibility through impaired wound healing and higher glycemic levels, with elevated HbA1c specifically linked to greater infection rates. Prolonged frame duration beyond four months heightens the risk by allowing cumulative microbial exposure and potential hardware loosening.^[35]^[59]^[60] Preventive strategies focus on meticulous perioperative and postoperative protocols to minimize contamination and mechanical irritation. Standard practice includes prophylactic administration of cefazolin during implantation to reduce early postoperative infections, alongside daily pin-site cleansing with chlorhexidine solutions, which demonstrate superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to alternatives like povidone-iodine. Proper wire tensioning, typically to 100-130 kg-force, enhances frame stability and reduces soft tissue motion around insertion sites, thereby limiting bacterial ingress and inflammation.^[61]^[35]^[62]^[63] Management of infections is tailored to severity to preserve frame integrity and achieve deformity correction. Superficial pin-site infections, characterized by erythema and discharge, are typically resolved with intensified local care and a short course of oral antibiotics such as cephalexin. Deep infections, involving osteomyelitis or abscess formation, often necessitate surgical debridement, hardware exchange, or intravenous antibiotics to eradicate biofilm-associated pathogens and prevent chronic sequelae.^[35]^[32]

Other Adverse Effects

Mechanical failures associated with the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) are uncommon but can include catastrophic strut collapse, particularly with Fast-Fx struts, which may lead to sudden fragment displacement if not properly secured.^[64] This mode of failure is preventable through the use of identification bands and locking nuts to ensure strut integrity during adjustments. Additionally, ring breakage at the half-ring junction represents a rare yet significant issue, often resulting from fatigue related to frame configuration and strain distribution, with studies recommending optimized ring setups to minimize stress concentrations.^[65] Ring loosening due to cyclic loading can also compromise frame stability, though such events occur infrequently in clinical practice.^[66] Soft tissue complications from TSF application primarily involve pain related to wire or pin tension, which maintains frame rigidity but can irritate surrounding tissues, typically managed conservatively with analgesics and monitoring. Neurovascular compression is a potential risk, particularly in tight anatomical regions, though reported incidences are low with gradual correction techniques, and no major neurovascular injuries were noted in several series.^[67] Temporary joint stiffness, such as at the knee or ankle, affects a notable proportion of patients during frame wear—up to 8-12% in some cohorts—but generally resolves with physical therapy post-removal.^[67]^[68] Patient-related adverse effects include a psychological burden from prolonged frame wear, which can impact self-esteem and social functioning, necessitating supportive care such as counseling to mitigate emotional distress.^[69] Joint stiffness often requires ongoing rehabilitation to restore mobility, emphasizing the importance of early motion protocols during treatment. Long-term concerns encompass refracture risk after frame removal, occurring in approximately 2.7% of cases, primarily at the docking site, which can be reduced through gradual dynamization to promote bone consolidation before full weight-bearing.^[70] These non-infectious issues, while manageable, highlight the need for vigilant monitoring throughout the correction and recovery phases.

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When the frame is removed in the clinic, patients are given gas and air (entonox or laughing gas) and advised to take their own pain killers prior to the ...Missing: anesthesia | Show results with:anesthesia
[35]
Prevention of pin site infection in external fixation - NIH
May 12, 2016 · Their data revealed that the infection rate was approximately 80 % when 0–3 days of prophylactic antibiotics were given and nearer 40 % in those ...
[36]
Complications analysis of Ilizarov bone transport technique in ... - NIH
Nov 7, 2023 · ... after frame removal. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) ... Additionally, all patients used a functional brace for 4–6 weeks to protect ...
[37]
Physical Therapy During Limb Lengthening and Deformity Correction
Sep 26, 2016 · It is recommended to be cautious in the first 4–6 weeks after fixator removal to allow for bone healing at these areas and therapy may be ...
[38]
[PDF] Complex distal tibia fractures treated with multi-planar external fixation
Jun 30, 2022 · This study aims to describe our experience of treating distal tibia fractures using the Ilizarov, Taylor Spatial Frame and True-Lok Hex external ...
[39]
Taylor spatial frame in the treatment of open tibial shaft fractures - NIH
The Taylor spatial frame (TSF) is a modern multiplanar external fixator that combines the ease of application and computer accuracy in the reduction of ...Missing: 1996 | Show results with:1996
[40]
Techniques in Trauma - Compendium of TSF Applications
If Dynamization is likely to be employed at a later stage, it is ... Management of Tibial Fractures Using the TAYLOR SPATIAL FRAME. Orthop Procs ...
[41]
Tibial shaft fracture: Fixation with a Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF ...
The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is a modern hexapod external fixator that is able to correct six axes of deformity simultaneously using a virtual hinge.Missing: components | Show results with:components<|control11|><|separator|>
[42]
Taylor Spatial Frame in Acute Fracture Care | Request PDF
Aug 9, 2025 · Fifty-four acute fractures have been treated with the Taylor Spatial Frame. A 93% union rate with only 1 refracture (2%) and 2 nonunions (4%) ...
[43]
Outcomes Following Treatment of Complex Tibial Fractures ... - NIH
Union rates were similar in both groups, and in the TL-HEX group the union rate was 92% compared to 100% in the TSF group. This could perhaps be explained by ...
[44]
Application of Intelligent Computer-Assisted Taylor 3D External ...
May 14, 2021 · This study aims to explore the use of intelligent computer-assisted Taylor 3D external fixation for the treatment of tibiofibular fractures.<|separator|>
[45]
https://medinform.jmir.org/2021/5/e21455/
[46]
The use of the Taylor spatial frame in adolescent Blount's disease
According to our initial experience, we believe that most patients with adolescent Blount disease could have successful and predictable correction of mild to ...
[47]
Correction of post-traumatic lower limb deformities using the Taylor ...
Jul 24, 2009 · With the introduction of the Taylor spatial frame a new device for deformity correction and lengthening was made available. It allows ...Missing: formula | Show results with:formula
[48]
Femoral Deformity Correction in Children and Young Adults Using ...
The TSF has the ability to correct any deformity in six axes in all three planes (frontal, sagittal, and axial) with the aid of computer-based software readily ...Missing: process | Show results with:process
[49]
Limb lengthening and deformity correction of congenital and ...
May 4, 2017 · The TSF is an excellent tool for the correction of complex deformities in children. There were similar lengthening indices in the 2 groups.
[50]
Taylor Spatial Frame in Treatment of Equinus Deformity - PMC - NIH
Conclusion. Using a TSF for correcting severe, fixed equinus contractures of the ankle joint is successful with minimal soft tissue-related complications.
[51]
Taylor Spatial Frame for Deformity Correction in Children
Taylor Spatial Frame for Deformity Correction in Children · Preoperative Considerations Before the Application of a Taylor Spatial Frame · Day of Surgery.Missing: formula | Show results with:formula
[52]
Taylor spatial frame in severe foot deformities using double osteotomy
The innovative treatment using the Taylor spatial frame and a double osteotomy allows joint-preserving correction of severe foot deformities.
[53]
Femoral deformity correction: CHAOS technique using Taylor ...
This method uses a hexapod frame to perform complex deformity correction acutely in theatre. Once the correction has been completed the osteotomy and is ...
[54]
The Incidence of Deep Infection Following Lower Leg Circular ... - NIH
Pin site infection is a common complication in circular frame surgery, with incidence ranging from 1 to 100% in the current literature.
[55]
Definitive Taylor Spatial Frame management for the treatment of ...
We report the largest series of open tibial feature treated primarily with a TSF construct, which has similar outcomes to other techniques.
[56]
Prevention of Infection in External Fixator Pin Sites. - ResearchGate
Aug 8, 2025 · An infection occurs when planktonic bacteria adhere to external fixator pins and subsequently produce a biofilm which protects the bacteria from ...
[57]
Host Factors and Risk of Pin Site Infection in External Fixation
This review reveals an increased risk of pin site infection associated with increased HbA1C level in diabetic patients and congestive heart failure in diabetic ...
[58]
Effect of frame and fixation factors on the incidence of pin site
Numerous factors have been suggested to affect the incidence of PSI. These include host factors, the type of pin or wires used, insertion techniques, and the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[59]
Current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical fixation of ...
Jan 16, 2017 · Most surgeons (96%) use cefazolin as first-line infection prophylaxis. Fifty-nine percent used a multiple-dose antibiotic regimen, 39% used a single-dose ...Missing: Spatial Frame
[60]
Experimental study on the effects of different disinfectants in ...
Oct 8, 2020 · It was concluded that the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate alcohol disinfectant in preventing pin-site infection was superior compared to the ...
[61]
Mastering Complications In External Fixation
Poor fixation and tensioning will result in instability, which leads to wire loosening and inflammation. A technique that may reduce the incidence of soft ...
[62]
Catastrophic Strut Collapse With the Taylor Spatial Frame - PubMed
Jan 20, 2016 · This study has identified a unique mode of failure with the use of Taylor Spatial Frame Fast-Fx struts and termed this complication catastrophic strut collapse.Missing: mechanical ring loosening
[63]
(PDF) Reducing The Risk Of Ring Breakage In Taylor Spatial Frames
Apr 15, 2021 · Clinical signi cance: Ring breakage is a rare but signi cant complication. This is the rst study to address this potential mode of TSF failure.
[64]
MECHANICAL CHARACTERISATIONS OF THE TAYLOR SPATIAL ...
These are wire slippage, ineffective wire clamping mechanism, catastrophic ring failure, anterior tibial angulation during lengthening, restricted knee motion ...Missing: loosening | Show results with:loosening
[65]
A Comparative Study of Taylor Spatial Frame and Monolateral ...
The use of TSF and MEF for ITD‐STL can achieve bone reconstruction and soft tissue repair via bone transport, yielding a positive therapeutic effect.Missing: team | Show results with:team
[66]
Clinical value of the Taylor Spatial Frame: a comparison with ... - NIH
The TSF has shorter distraction time, higher accuracy, and lower complications than Ilizarov and Orthofix, but is more costly and not yet routine.
[67]
Impact of Ilizarov Fixation Technique on the Limb Functionality and ...
Oct 16, 2019 · Psychological support is recommended for participants living with an external fixation frame to protect their self-esteem. Keywords: ilizarov ...
[68]
(PDF) Strategies and outcomes in severe open tibial shaft fractures at a major trauma center: A large retrospective case-series
**Summary of Refracture Risk After Taylor Spatial Frame Removal**