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

Objectives: 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.

Design: Retrospective review.

Patients/participants: Twelve consecutive skeletally immature patients with unstable tibial fracture treated at our centre with a TSF.

Intervention: A TSF was applied by a single surgeon for the stabilization of unstable tibial fractures.

Main Outcome Measures: Time to union, nonunion, malunion, reoperations, leg length discrepancy, and complications such as infections and compartment syndrome in both closed and open tibial fractures.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: This study supports the use of TSF in experienced users for the treatment of unstable closed and open fractures in skeletally immature patients.