Correction of severe foot deformities using the Taylor spatial frame.

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to evaluate the treatment of severe foot deformities using the Taylor spatial frame.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The treatment of seven patients with nine severe foot deformities was reviewed. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 16 years with a mean followup of 21.5 months. The following parameters were assessed: etiology of deformity, date of surgery, surgical procedure, age at surgery, previous surgical or conservative treatments, preoperative symptoms, preoperative and postoperative deformity and affected side, complications during correction, duration of TSF, duration of hospital stay, occurrence of secondary osteoarthritis, recurrence of deformity, surgical revisions or subsequent surgeries. The pre- and postoperative deformity was assessed clinically. The final outcome was categorized as good, fair, or poor.

RESULTS

The results were good in eight feet and poor in one foot. Early complications included pin tract infection, temporary hypoesthesia and temporary shortening of the tendon of the flexor digitorum longus. Recurrence of deformity occurred in no patient. One patient required a subtalar arthrodesis for symptomatic, secondary osteoarthritis in one foot.

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that TSF is a viable solution to correct severe foot deformities but we believe a surgeon should be aware of the possible complications.