Treatment of complex foot deformities in children with the taylor spatial frame

The Taylor spatial frame is a relatively new external fixator able to correct 6-axis deformities with computer accuracy using a virtual hinge. The Taylor spatial frame has gained tremendous popularity, but its use for the correction of foot deformities is still limited. Various ring configurations and a new foot program have recently become available and allow correction of the most difficult foot deformities. This article reports the results of 13 patients (15 frames) with various foot deformities treated at our institution with 3 different Taylor spatial frame configurations (standard rings construction, miter frame, and butt frame). Treatment goals were achieved in 11 patients, while mild residual deformities persisted in 2 patients. Most complications during treatment consisted of pin tract infections. One patient had premature consolidation, which was treated with additional midtarsal osteotomy; 1 had metatarsophalangeal joint subluxation, which was fixed with tendon lengthening and pining of the joint; and 1 had talar subluxation, which was reduced with residual program correction. Based on our experience, we believe the Taylor spatial frame is a very powerful and accurate surgical modality with a relatively short learning curve for the correction for most difficult foot deformities.