title: The use of the taylor spatial frame for the treatment of unstable tibial fractures in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve consecutive skeletally immature patients with unstable tibial fracture treated at our centre with a TSF.
  
  
  METHODS
  A TSF was applied by a single surgeon for the stabilization of unstable tibial fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom.
authors: Michalis
authors: M
authors: Zenios
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom