Intra-operative correction of Taylor Spatial Frame without a computer

The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) is a circular external fixator used to treat complex fractures and skeletal deformities. The device consists of 2 rings attached to bone by wires or half pins, connected by universal hinge joints to 6 independent telescopic struts, creating a hexapod. The output piece is defined as the movable ring, which has 6 degree of freedom relative to the other ring, which is the base. With 6 degree of freedom, the movable platform is capable of moving in 3 linear directions and 3 angular directions singularly or in any combination. These hexapod devices require complex mathematical software programs to accurately control the output piece. In the case of the TSF, the deformity and positional frame parameters can be indentified on postoperative radiographs. They are then input into internet-based software to calculate strut adjustments required to achieve deformity correction. When treating fractures with the TSF, the rings can be connected using FastFx struts. These struts can be locked in position or left in a sliding mode (unlocked) allowing manual manipulation of the frame to acutely correct the position of the fracture fragments. This reduction is rarely perfect however and often requires further postoperative frame adjustments using software calculations. We describe an intra-operative method for accurately adjusting the frame in its locked mode without the need for software input.