Perioperative planning for two- and three-plane deformities.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• External fixation is a versatile technique for fracture management.
• Complex limb deformities present significant treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of primary multiplanar external fixation for fractures and deformities.
• To demonstrate the utility of the Taylor Spatial Frame in correcting complex orthopedic issues.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multiplanar external fixation, specifically the Taylor Spatial Frame.
• Employed chronic and total residual correction methods for deformity analysis.
• Applied distal referencing for lower-limb salvage cases.
• Performed staged corrections using way points.

Main Results:

• Primary external fixation proved efficacious in managing various fractures, avoiding salvage situations.
• The Taylor Spatial Frame successfully measured and corrected complex deformities, including nonunions and malunions.
• Distal referencing was highly useful in lower-limb salvage scenarios.
• Staged corrections and additional total residual corrections were effectively implemented.

Conclusions:

• Primary multiplanar external fixation is a valuable approach for fracture treatment.
• The Taylor Spatial Frame offers precise correction capabilities for complex deformities.
• External fixation can be integrated with other surgical techniques like intramedullary nailing or plating.