title: A Biomechanical Comparison between Taylor's Spatial Frame and Ilizarov External Fixator.
abstract: Taylor's spatial frame (TSF) and Ilizarov external fixators (IEF) are two circular external fixator commonly used to address complex deformity and fractures. There is currently no data available comparing the biomechanical properties of these two external fixators. This study looks into the mechanical characteristics of each system. TSF rings with 6 oblique struts, 4 tube connectors, 4 threaded rods, and 6 threaded rods were compared to a standard IEF rings with 4 threaded rods. Compression and torsional loading was performed to the frame as well as construct with Polyvinylchloride tubes. TSF rings with 4 tube connectors had the highest stiffness (3288 N/mm) while TSF rings with 6 struts was the least stiff. The situation was reversed for torsion where TSF rings with 6 oblique struts had the highest torsional stiffness (82.01 Nm/Degree) and frame Ilizarov rings with 4 threaded rods the least. Standard TSF construct of two ring with 6 oblique struts have better torsional stiffness and lower axial stiffness compared to the standard IEF.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Taylor's Spatial Frame, Ilizarov External Fixator, Biomechanical properties.
authors.affiliation: National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning (NOCERAL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: Bb
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning (NOCERAL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shanmugam
authors.affiliation: National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning (NOCERAL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gunalan
authors.affiliation: National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning (NOCERAL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: Yp
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chua
authors.affiliation: National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning (NOCERAL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hossain
authors.affiliation: National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence for Research and Learning (NOCERAL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saw