Abstract
Introduction
Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) has been designed to treat complex tibial, foot and ankle deformities using computer software. We have performed various osteotomies in combination with different soft tissue procedures, with the use of TSF.
Material and Methods
A retrospective study of 20 consecutive patients operated by, senior author SSM, from 2004 onwards who underwent surgical correction of tibia, ankle, midfoot and hind foot including lateral column lengthening, calcaneal and midfoot osteotomies. Demographic details, diagnosis, procedures (including previous operations), length of follow-up, outcome and complications were recorded. Of the 20 patients, 13 were men and 7 women. The mean age was 39 years (range 18 to 70). 5 patients had TSF for malunion or non-union of ankle fractures, malunion of tibia (5), congenital talipes equino-varus(3), acute fracture of ankle (2), one patient each for spina bifida, Poliomyelitis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, equino-varus due to periventricular leuco-encephalopathy and avascular necrosis of the talus. Bilateral TSF for torsional malalignment of tibia (1)
Results
Follow up 6 to 54 months (mean 19.4). Patient based foot and ankle outcome criteria were used. Of the 20 patients, 16 had no pain and satisfactory range of movement and function at the last follow up. Post-operative complications included pin site infection(2) and frame hardware malfunction (2)patients, residual deformity requiring surgical correction at 22 months, (1) delayed union, neuropathic pain in (1), residual equinus deformity requiring Botox injections(1) and osteomyelitis requiring debridement(1).
Conclusion
We present this series of complex congenital and acquired conditions of the foot and ankle treated with corrective osteotomies and Taylor Spatial Frame with good results.
