• Leif Pål Kristiansen, Harald Steen, and Olav Reikerås.
• Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Center, Biomechanics Laboratory, Orthopaedic Department, University of Oslo, Oslo, NO-0027, Norway. leif.pal.kristiansen@rikshospitalet.no
• Acta Orthop. 2006 Oct 1; 77 (5): 772-7.

BackgroundDifferent methods and devices are used to perform lengthening and deformity reconstruction in the tibia. Recently, the Taylor spatial frame (TSF) has been introduced as a computer-assisted and versatile external ring fixator. Lengthening index (LI) and complications are important result parameters, and the aim of this study was to review our first 20 tibial segments operated with the TSF and to compare the results with our experience of using the traditional Ilizarov external fixator (IEF).Patients And MethodsWe lengthened 20 tibial segments in 20 patients with the TSF. The results were compared with those of 27 tibial segments from 27 patients that were lengthened with the IEF. All segments were operated on with monofocal osteotomies.ResultsIn the overlapping zone of comparable lengthening distances between 2.4 and 6.0 cm, the LI of 2.4 and 1.8 months/cm was not significantly different between the TSF and IEF groups, respectively (p = 0.17). This non-significant difference was confirmed after adjustment for age.InterpretationWe found no difference between the TSF and IEF frames regarding LI and complication rate. However, rotational, translational, and residual deformity correction is easier to perform with the TSF.

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