What Are the Biomechanical Properties of the Taylor Spatial Frame™?

Background: The Taylor Spatial Frame™ (TSF) is a versatile variant of the traditional Ilizarov circular fixator. Although in widespread use, little comparative data exist to quantify the biomechanical effect of substituting the tried-and-tested Ilizarov construct for the TSF hexapod system.

Questions/purposes: This study was designed to investigate the mechanical properties of the TSF system under physiologic loads, with and without the addition of a simulated bone model, with comparison to the standard Ilizarov frame.

What Are the Biomechanical Effects of Half-pin and Fine-wire Configurations on Fracture Site Movement in Circular Frames?

Background: Fine-wire circular frame (Ilizarov) fixators are hypothesized to generate favorable biomechanical conditions for fracture healing, allowing axial micromotion while limiting interfragmentary shear. Use of half-pins increases fixation options and may improve patient comfort by reducing muscle irritation, but they are thought to induce interfragmentary shear, converting beam-to-cantilever loading. Little evidence exists regarding the magnitude and type of strain in such constructs during weightbearing.

The antibacterial effect of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond®) skin adhesive.

Dermabond® is a tissue adhesive commonly used for wound or surgical incision closure. Its use has previously been associated with a reduction in wound infection, and it has been thought to act as a physical barrier to bacteria accessing the wound. This study aimed to establish whether the Dermabond® adhesive demonstrated any intrinsic antimicrobial properties.