Catastrophic strut collapse with the Taylor Spatial Frame: preventing a disaster

Circular external fixators, and in particular hexapod circular external fixators, are increasingly being used in orthopaedic traumatology and limb reconstruction. Their ability to provide three dimensional stability throughout the treatment period make these external fixators indispensable in the management of complex reconstructive work. This study has identified a unique mode of failure with the use of Taylor Spatial Frame Fast-Fx struts and termed this complication catastrophic strut collapse. In this article a lab model is used to demonstrate the consequences of catastrophic strut collapse and warn users of the importance of using the ID bands and locking nuts to prevent inadvertent fragment displacement.