Fracture Reduction and Definitive Management for Acute Tibial Shaft Fractures Using the Taylor Spatial Frame

Abstract

Background: The Taylor spatial frame (TSF) is increasingly used for acute tibial shaft fracture care as more general orthopedic surgeons are gaining expertise of this versatile device. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the TSF for fracture reduction and definitive management in patients with acute tibial shaft fractures.Methods: The study was conducted on 34 patients with acute tibial shaft fractures who were admitted or referred to our institution and consented to TSF treatment from Jan 2016 to June 2019, including 27males and 7 females with a mean age of 39 years (range 18 to 65 years). Patients' clinical and radiological data, and the final clinical outcomes at a minimum of 12 months follow-up were collected and retrospectively analyzed. All complications were documented according to Paley’s classification. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at the last clinical visit.Results: All patients remained in the TSF for a mean of 26 weeks (range 15 to 52 weeks) and acquired complete bone union. The satisfactory alignment was achieved in all patients, and all the patients were able to perform daily activities with no difficulty at the last clinical visit. Complications included pin tract infection (44%), delayed union (6%), nonunion (3%), and joint stiffness (3%). The ASAMI bony result was excellent in 31 patients and good in 3. The ASAMI functional result was excellent in 27 patients, good in 6, and fair in 1. Conclusions: Fracture reduction and definitive management using the Taylor spatial frame is an alternative and effective method for acute tibial shaft fractures, including technical advantages of early trauma-control, ease of soft tissue care, the versatility of achieving excellent alignment, and the continuity of device until bone union.