Taylor Spatial Frame
The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is an external fixator used by podiatric and orthopaedic surgeons to treat complex fractures[1] and bone deformities. The medical device shares a number of components and features of the Ilizarov apparatus. The Taylor Spatial Frame is a hexapod device based on a Stewart platform, and was invented by orthopaedic surgeon Charles Taylor. The device consists of two or more aluminum or carbon fibre rings connected by six struts. Each strut can be independently lengthened or shortened to achieve the desired result, i.e compression at the fracture site, lengthening, etc. Connected to a bone by wires or half pins, the attached bone can be manipulated in six axes (anterior/posterior, varus/valgus, lengthen/shorten.) Angular, translational, rotational, and length deformities can all be corrected simultaneously with the TSF.
The TSF is used in both adults and children. It is used for the treatment of acute fractures, mal-unions, non-unions and congenital deformities. It can be used on both the upper and lower limbs. Specialised foot rings (as seen in the picture) are also available for the treatment of complex foot deformities.
Post-Op
Once the fixator is attached to the bone, the deformity is characterised by studying the postoperative x-rays. The angular, translational, rotational, and length deformity values are then entered into specialised software, along with parameters such as the ring size and initial strut lengths. The software then produces a "prescription" of strut changes that the patient follows. The struts are adjusted daily by the patient until the correct alignment is achieved. Correction of the bone deformity can typically take 3–4 weeks. Once the deformity has been corrected, the frame is then left on the limb till the bone heals. This often takes 3–6 months, depending on the nature and degree of deformity.
Cleanliness
The pins of the TSF have to be kept very clean, and must be cleaned daily to prevent infections. Infections of the pin sites in an external fixator are often very serious, sometimes resulting in osteomyelitis, and may require hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics.
Further reading
- Choudhuri, Milind (2008). "Taylor Spatial Frame". In Kulkarni, G.S. Textbook of orthopedics and trauma (2nd ed.). Jaypee Brothers Publishers. ISBN 9788184482423.
See also
References
- ↑ Eidelman, M,; Katzman, A. (October 2008). "Treatment of complex tibial fractures in children with the taylor spatial frame". Orthopedics. US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 8 May 2012.