BONE AND LIMB
TAYLOR SPATIAL FRAME◊ (TSF◊)
Overview
The TAYLOR SPATIAL FRAME (TSF) is designed to treat bone fractures and deformities in the arms and legs. It has been shown to provide high levels of treatment success in acute fractures and deformity correction in children and adults.1*
What is the TSF?
The TSF is an external fixator – a device worn on the outside of the body to treat a fracture or deformity inside the arm or leg. It may be used with both children and adults.
The TSF is made up of two metal rings that circle the outside of the arm or leg to be treated. These metal rings are connected by six adjustable struts. Additionally, there are small wires that connect the device (through the skin) to the bone inside.
Through scheduled adjustments of the struts, small changes in the bone can be made over time. These adjustments are typically done by patients or their caregivers, according to specific instructions from the surgeon. The goal is to correct the position of the bone little by little, using the body’s natural ability to grow new bone and soft tissue.
What are the benefits of the TSF?
The TSF offers these benefits:
Is the TSF right for me?
Only your surgeon can determine if treatment with the TSF is right for you. Typically, the TSF device is recommended for:
Congenital skeletal deformities (conditions present at birth)
Acquired skeletal deformities (conditions caused by trauma, infection, or cancer)
Fractures caused by accidents or other sudden trauma
The procedure
You will have at least two surgeries related to the TSF: one to attach the device, and one to remove it. Your surgeon will provide you with more details on the procedures and explain what you can expect with your individual treatment plan.
What is the recovery like?
Typically, patients wear the TSF device for four to twelve months. Your treatment will depend on the complexity of the condition being treated, your specific health situation, and other factors.
After the device is attached in the first surgery, there are two stages to the correction and healing process:
Correction/Distraction – A few days after surgery, you’ll likely begin adjusting the struts of the device according to your surgeon’s specific instructions. Many patients, for example, are asked to adjust the struts each day on a set schedule.
Consolidation – During this stage, you’ll still be wearing the device but no longer making adjustments. This time period allows for growth and strengthening of new bone and soft tissue.
Your surgeon will determine when the treatment is complete and schedule a surgery to remove the device. Afterwards, you may wear a brace or cast for a period of time while the area continues to heal. You may also have limits on physical activity. Talk to your surgeon to learn more about what you can expect during the recovery period.
Disclaimers
All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice. Not everyone is a candidate for TAYLOR SPATIAL FRAME treatment, and individual results of treatment will vary. Every patient's case is unique, and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication, and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your individual situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
◊Trademark of Smith+Nephew. 40706 10/2023
Citations
*Demonstrated in a meta-analysis of studies.
1. Smith+Nephew 2019. Internal report. EO/TRAUMA/TSF/001/v6.
2. Ashfaq K, Fragomen AT, Nguyen TJ, Rozbruch SR. Correction of Proximal Tiba Varus with External Fixation. J Knee Surg. 2012;25:375-384.
3. Horn J, Steen H, Huhnstock S, Hvid I, Gunderson RB. Limb lengthening and deformity correction of congenital and acquired deformities in children using the Taylor Spatial Frame. Acta orthopaedica. 2017;88(3):334-340.
4. Schiedel F, Vogt B, Wacker S, et al. Walking ability of children with a hexapod external ring fixator (TSF®) and foot plate mounting at the lower leg. Gait Posture. 2012;36(3):500-505
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