Abstract
We have treated 17 patients with bone defects of the tibia by internal bone transport using a stacked Taylor Spatial Frame.
There were 12 cases of infected non unions, 2 cases of osteomyelitis, 1 case of acute traumatic bone loss, 1 case of non union in a patient with neurofibromatosis, and 1 case of pseudoarthrosis of the tibia.
The mean bone defect was 51.8mm (range 10–100mm).
Leg length has been restored to within 10mm in 16 cases and to within 15mm in one case. All patients have united.
Residual deformity at the docking site or regenerate was negligible in 4 patients and less than 5 degrees in any plane in the remaining 13 patients. There have been two cases of re-fracture which have united with conservative treatment and 1 case of partial peroneal nerve palsy which is recovering.
The use of a stacked Taylor Spatial Frame system is effective in mediating bone transport resulting in predictable regenerate, accurate docking and minimal induced bone deformity.
Correspondence should be addressed to SWOC, c/o Mr David Bracey, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3LJ.
