Functional outcomes after tibial shaft fractures treated using the Taylor spatial frame.

Abstract

To analyze functional and radiologic outcomes of tibial shaft fractures treated with the Taylor spatial frame (TSF). Prospective follow-up study of radiologic and functional outcomes. University teaching hospital. From January 2006 to December 2012, prospective data were collected for 56 consecutive patients completing treatment of a tibial shaft fracture with the TSF. Treatment of tibial shaft fractures, including those with simple extension into the knee or ankle joints, using the TSF. Residual deformity on x-ray and functional outcomes using the EQ-5D health status questionnaire, Iowa Knee and Ankle Evaluation Rating System scores, and Olerud and Molander Ankle score were recorded 1 year after frame removal. Average residual deformity was 1.8 degrees in the coronal and 1.6 degrees in the sagittal planes. EQ-5D outcomes showed patients returning to a health status no different from scores for the UK population as a whole. Iowa Knee scores demonstrated "good" or "excellent" outcomes in 87.3% of our cohort (mean, 90). Ankle Evaluation Rating System scores and Olerud and Molander Ankle scores showed "good" or "excellent" outcomes in 76.8% and 89.3% of our cohort, respectively (mean, 84.1 and 84). Use of the TSF for treatment of tibial fractures, with support from a dedicated limb reconstruction rehabilitation team, has a number of technical advantages while producing good functional and surgical outcomes, with patients recovering to a pre-injury health status. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.