The use of the taylor spatial frame for the treatment of unstable tibial fractures in children.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the use of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) in the treatment of unstable tibial fractures in skeletally immature patients. Retrospective review. Twelve consecutive skeletally immature patients with unstable tibial fracture treated at our centre with a TSF. A TSF was applied by a single surgeon for the stabilization of unstable tibial fractures. Time to union, nonunion, malunion, reoperations, leg length discrepancy, and complications such as infections and compartment syndrome in both closed and open tibial fractures. Over a 4-year period, 8 patients with closed unstable tibial fractures and 4 patients with grade IIIB open fractures were treated with a TSF by a single surgeon. Union was achieved in all cases with no residual angulation and no leg length discrepancy. The mean time of the TSF treatment for the 8 closed fractures was 12.6 (range: 8-22) and for the 4 grade IIIB open fractures was 24.25 weeks (range: 13-36). There was 1 patient who developed compartment syndrome after application of the TSF and 2 who developed superficial pin site infections treated with oral antibiotics. This study supports the use of TSF in experienced users for the treatment of unstable closed and open fractures in skeletally immature patients.