Correction of deformities in children using the Taylor spatial frame.

Abstract

The Taylor spatial frame is a unique external fixator. Despite its growing popularity, few reports on its use have been published. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Taylor spatial frame in the treatment of various deformities in 31 children and adolescents. All but one patient were anatomically corrected. Complications included superficial pin tract infection (45%), three fractures of the femoral regenerate, transient peroneal palsy, and injury to the genicular artery. Despite many challenging problems, our results compared favorably with the results achieved by others. We believe that the Taylor spatial frame is a very capable and accurate fixator for the precise correction of complex deformities.