Taylor spatial frame in severe foot deformities using double osteotomy: technical approach and primary results

The treatment of severe foot deformities in children or adolescents is complex and demanding to the surgeon. This paper describes the technical strategy of using a Taylor spatial frame and reports on the functional outcome.The Taylor spatial frame was used by a single surgeon in patients with severe foot deformities. Seven patients with eight severe deformities were treated. Mean patient age at surgery was 15.1 (9-29) years. A double Taylor spatial frame reconstruction was mounted to the limb. All patients had a midtarsal osteotomy and an additional inverse dome-shaped calcaneus osteotomy. Assessed measures were pre- and postoperative deformity and associated complications and clinical results according to Ferreira et al.Mean follow-up was 576.5 (359-987) days. The final functional outcome according to Ferreira was good in seven cases, fair in none, and poor in one. Early complications included pin-tract infection, temporary hypoesthesia, and temporary shortening of the tendon of the M. flexor digitorum. At follow-up there was no deformity recurrence.In children or adolescents, the innovative treatment using the Taylor spatial frame and a double osteotomy allows joint-preserving correction of severe foot deformities. However, the complication rate is relatively high due to the severely deformed feet. Furthermore, the Taylor spatial frame is expensive. Thus, this treatment is only recommended for severe foot deformities and should be handled by experienced orthopedic surgeons.