Efficacy of the Taylor spatial frame in the treatment of deformities around the knee

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the Taylor spatial frame (TSF) can precisely correct deformities around the knee and whether application of TSF is easy and safe for treatment of the deformities around the knee. Methods: This study included 50 retrospectively reviewed limbs of 37 patients (mean age: 23 years, range: 10 to 58 years) with deformity around the knee joint treated using the TSF. Thirty-three limbs had tibial and 17 femoral deformities. Preoperative standard anteroposterior, lateral radiographs and standing orthoroentgenographic measurements were taken for each patient. Mechanical axis deviation (MAD), leg-length discrepancy (LLD) and lateral femoral distal angle (LDFA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were measured from standing orthoroentgenographics. All measurements were repeated after external fixator removal. Results: The frame was applied for an average of 20.3 (range: 4 to 36) weeks. Mean follow-up time following removal of external fixator was 32 (range: 15 to 54) months. An effective and accurate correction was achieved in all cases. Solid bone consolidation was obtained in all but two cases which underwent bone grafting. Conclusion: Taylor spatial frame appears to be a safe and effective method for the gradual correction of the complex translational and rotational deformities around the knee.