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Correction of Multiplanar Proximal Tibial.8
Correction of Multiplanar Proximal Tibial.8
Context: The management of multiapical and multidirectional deformities of the proximal tibia Abdelaziz,
is still a challenging task with acute correction. The Taylor spatial frame (TSF) enables gradual Hosny A. Gamal1,
correction in all planes. Aims: The study investigated the accuracy of correction for multiplanar
proximal tibial deformities which had performed with the preassembled TSF. The complications Allam S. Ahmad1,
and functional outcome were investigated. Settings and Design: Retrospectively, we compared Abdulalim A.
nYQp/IlQrHD3i3D0OdRyi7TvSFl4Cf3VC1y0abggQZXdgGj2MwlZLeI= on 08/27/2023
the parameters of proximal tibial angles before and after using the preassembled TSF frame Abdulsalam1
technique for correction. We used the mechanical axis deviation (MAD), medial proximal tibial Department of Orthopedic,
angle (MPTA), posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA), and tibial rotation as reference parameters Al-Razi Orthopedic Hospital,
for accuracy judgment. The deformities were divided into three main planes, each plane subdivided Ministry of Health, Kuwait,
by two directions of angulations. Subjects and Methods: The study included 15 patients (20
1
Department of Orthopedic,
tibiae), who underwent a tibial osteotomy surgery after obtaining informed consent for deformity Faculty of Medicine, Benha
University, Egypt
correction using the TSF (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, TN, USA) between June 2016 and May
2018. Results: The three‑plane deformities experienced an accurate correction of MAD. MPTA and
PPTA were accurately corrected in patients with coronal and sagittal plane deformities, respectively.
Rotational deformities were corrected to a satisfactory degree of accuracy in all cases. TSF correction
for multiplanar proximal tibial deformities achieved an excellent result regarding functional outcome.
Conclusions: Gradual correction for multiplanar proximal tibial deformities with the TSF is accurate,
simple and with few complications.
attachment and the same gradual correction deformity. Patients with nonunion, patients Website:
principles as the Ilizarov device.[5] who primarily underwent tibial lengthening, www.jlimblengthrecon.org
This is an open access journal, and articles are correction with a different method Quick Response Code:
distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons than the TSF were all excluded. The
Attribution‑NonCommercial‑ShareAlike 4.0 License, which
allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work
non‑commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and How to cite this article: Abdelaziz AM, Gamal HA,
the new creations are licensed under the identical terms. Ahmad AS, Abdulsalam AA. Correction of multiplanar
proximal tibial deformities using the taylor spatial
For reprints contact: reprints@medknow.com frame. J Limb Lengthen Reconstr 2020;6:40-7.
40 © 2020 Journal of Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
Abdelaziz, et al.: Correction of multiplanar proximal tibial deformities using TSF
contraindications for using TSF were elderly patients who mounting parameters into the TSF web‑based
have no ability to care for themselves and patients who software (www.spatialframe.com) computer program,
have a severe or uncontrolled psychiatric disease. the strut lengths were determined by the computer, and
the frame was constructed in a manner replicating the
Clinical preoperative evaluation was carried out including
history and physical examination. Frontal and sagittal plane deformity.[5] Preassembled frame technique was used
deformities on long lower‑limb standing radiograph were to reduce the time of the surgery and adjust the distance
analyzed. Limb length discrepancy (LLD), mechanical between the rings preoperatively, which had led to reduce
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axis deviation (MAD), and joint orientation angles the number of strut changes postoperatively during
that are lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal correction phase.
tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), Patients underwent surgery on the next day of
posterior distal femoral angle, and posterior proximal tibial admission. All surgeries were performed under general
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angle (PPTA) were measured using the methods described anesthesia. Patients were administered prophylactic
by Paley [Figure 1].[6,7] antibiotic with anesthesia induction. Tourniquet was
Assessment of tibial rotation was done clinically by not used during the procedure. Common peroneal
measuring the thigh–foot axis (TFA) in prone position nerve release was done for valgus, rotational
and measuring the angle between patella up axis and heel deformities, and tibial lengthening cases.[10,11,12] Fibular
bisector axis in supine position.[8] osteotomy was performed in all cases. At times, we
resected a small section of the fibula if substantial
Each tibial deformity was analyzed with six axes: coronal fibular shortening or early fibular consolidation was
plane angulation (varus or valgus) and translation (medial anticipated. TSF frame had been attached to the bone
or lateral), sagittal plane angulation (procurvatum or using one tensioned wire as a reference wire for
recurvatum) and translation (anterior or posterior), and axial proximal ring beside three perpendicular coated half
plane angulation (internal or external) and translation (short
pins with hydroxyapatite (HA) (Orthofix, Verona,
or long).[9]
Italy) [Figure 2a and b]. For distal ring, three HA‑coated
Preassembled TSF was built preoperatively with chronic half pins in different planes were used for fixation.[13] We
mode after inputting the deformity and preliminary used a 2/3 ring proximally to accommodate posterior leg
swelling and allow knee flexion.
The osteotomy for the tibia was performed with multiple
drill holes and completed with osteotome but left
nondisplaced [Figure 2c]. Final mounting parameters were
calculated after the placement of the TSF.
After the surgery, patients were allowed to bear weight as
tolerated, and range‑of‑motion exercises for the knee and
ankle were encouraged. A daily shower, including washing
the pin sites with antibacterial soap, was encouraged
1 week postoperatively. This was followed by pin care
with chlorhexidine 0.5% in water and then wrapped with
sterile gauze soaked with chlorhexidine 0.5% in water or
povidone‑iodine 10%.[14]
We entered deformity parameters into web‑based software
and generated an adjustment schedule postoperatively
with total residual operating mode. The program required
input of deformity, frame, and mounting parameters,
in addition to structures at risk to determine the rate of
correction. Deformity correction commenced 5–7 days
after the surgery. Patients were discharged mobilizing
weight‑bearing as tolerated with crutches and instructed to
perform gradual adjustments for the six struts of the TSF
a b
according to the adjusting schedule three times/day, two
struts per each session. Radiographs were taken at 2 weeks
Figure 1: Long lower‑limb standing radiograph with joint orientation
angles: (a) Coronal view for varus deformity shows mechanical axis to be certain that the osteotomy was moved.
deviation, lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle <85°,
and lateral distal tibial angle. (b) Sagittal view for recurvatum deformity Patients were seen in the clinic every week during the
shows posterior distal femoral angle and posterior proximal tibial angle >84° distraction phase. Once the alignment was corrected and
a b c
Figure 2: Taylor spatial frame proximal ring attachments: (a) Ilizarov wire insertion from lateral to medial side under fluoroscopy guide and check the
wire is perpendicular to the proximal tibial mechanical axis. (b) Two half pins placed anteromedial and anterolateral under image guide and directed
posterolateral and posteromedial to be perpendicular to each other. (c) Osteotomy is complete under fluoroscopy
the adjustments ended, patients were seen monthly until the Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) for evaluation of bony
frame removal. At the end of the schedules, the limb and functional results of the study.[16]
alignment was determined with physical examination and
radiograph. On long lower‑limb standing radiograph, we Results
measured MAD, MPTA, PPTA, and LLD using the same The software SPSS for Windows Release 10 (SPSS Inc.,
methods used before the surgery, and we assessed the Chicago, IL, USA) was used for all statistical calculations.
rotation by patella up test and TFA. When there was a Each variable was tested for its normal value using the
residual deformity, we generated and implemented another Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Significance was set at the
correction schedule. P < 0.05 level.
Our criteria for frame removal were the ability to walk The MAD was postoperatively divided into three results:
with minimal assistance with no pain at the osteotomy site 1. MAD center within 5 mm medial or lateral[1,10]
and the presence of bridging callus on three of four cortices 2. MAD overcorrection to 6–12 mm medial or lateral
using the anteroposterior, internal oblique, external oblique, depending on the presenting problem in the patients
and lateral radiographs.[1,15] who had unicompartmental arthritis[1,11]
For all patients, we recorded the number of schedules 3. MAD improvement with femoral origin residual deformity.
needed, adjusting weeks, total wearing period of the For patients with tibial origin varus deformity (11 patients),
frame, complications, knee and ankle range of motion, and MAD was central with a range of 5 mm medial and 5 mm
follow‑up in months postframe removal. lateral to midline, and for the patient with tibial and
Deformity parameters, including degree of varus femoral origin varus deformity (one patient), MAD was
(16 tibias – 2 tibias with medial compartment osteoarthritis) central with 2 mm medial to midline [Table 2].
or valgus (2 tibias), procurvatum (8 tibias) or recurvatum In two patients with tibial and femoral origin varus
(2 tibias), and internal (15 Tibias) or external rotation
deformity, MAD was overcorrected with a range of 6 mm
(4 tibias) deformities, were recorded [Table 1]. This
to 11 mm lateral to the midline [Table 2].
illustrated the magnitude and nature of the preoperative
deformity. In two patients with tibial and femoral origin varus
deformity, MAD was improved with a range of 17 mm to
We analyzed the outcomes of MPTA, PPTA, and TFA
58 mm lateral to the midline [Table 2].
beside computed tomographic rotational profile in isolated
rotational deformity, relative to preoperative measurement. For one patient with valgus deformity due to tibial origin,
MAD was analyzed according to the planned treatment goal. MAD was central with 0 mm medial to midline, and for
[Supplementary Material 1]. one patient with tibial and femoral origins, MAD was
central with 5 mm medial to midline [Table 2].
The aims of the analysis were to confirm a clinically
important improvement in certain measurements and The corrections of MPTA were accurate, and the MPTA
its accuracy postoperatively at an average of 11 (range, improved from varus or valgus angle to normal orientation
6–24 months) of follow‑up. angle in patients with a varus or valgus deformity [Table 1].
As the TSF follows the same principals of callus distraction Sagittal deformities (procurvatum or recurvatum) [Table 1]
such as Ilizarov technique, we have followed the scoring and axial plane deformities (internal or external rotation)
system of the Association for the Study and Application of [Table 1] were corrected to a satisfactory degree in all cases.
42 Journal of Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction | Volume 6 | Issue 1 | January‑June 2020
Abdelaziz, et al.: Correction of multiplanar proximal tibial deformities using TSF
Table 1: Six proximal tibial deformities, number of the cases for each deformity and degree range for the entire
cohort, medial proximal tibial angle, posterior proximal tibial angle, thigh foot axis, and postoperative degrees with
P value
Plane of deformity Tibial deformity Number of cases* Preoperative Postoperative P
Coronal Varus 16 MPTA <85° 73 (52‑82) 89.5 (87‑92) 0.002
Valgus 2 MPTA >90° 96.5 (96‑97) 89.5 (89‑90) 0.001
Sagittal Procurvatum 8 PPTA <77° 70.7 (67‑75) 81.6 (80‑83) 0.001
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angle, PPTA: Posterior proximal tibial angle, TFA: Thigh foot axis
Table 2: Preoperative versus postoperative mechanical axis deviation (mm) with P value
Preoperative Preoperative MAD Postoperative goal
deformity Central Overcorrection Improvement
medial lateral medial lateral medial lateral
MAD medial Tibial origin (11 patients) 48 (24‑95) 0.8 (0‑5) 3.8 (3‑5)
(varus) P 0.001 0.01
Tibial and femoral origin (one patient) 104 2
Tibial and femoral origin (2 patients) 102.5 (100‑105) 8.5 (6‑11)
P 0.03
Tibial and femoral origin (2 patients) 61 (78‑44) 37.5 (17‑58)
P 0.002
MAD lateral Tibial origin (one patient) 28 0
(valgus) P 0.001
Tibial and femoral origin (one patient) 60 5
P 0.02
Ranges shown in parentheses. MAD: Mechanical axis deviation
Statistical analysis for all proximal tibial angles and MAD Preassembled frame technique was used to reduce the time
showed a significant improvement with P < 0.05 using the of the theater and optimized a strut exchange which was
Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. potentially cheaper and more accurate.
Patients had web‑based schedules for correction with an There were no cases of joint stiffness, compartment
average of 2.8 (range, 1–5 schedules), which last on average syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, nerve palsy, reflex
5.9 (range, 2–10 weeks), and the total period of wearing sympathetic dystrophy, delayed union and nonunion,
the frame averaged 18.9 (range, 12–26 weeks). Although premature consolidation, hardware failure, or residual
these patients group included only those with deformities, deformity.
there was associated LLD in some patients; this explained According to the ASAMI scoring system, the results of
the long distraction time and period of wearing the frame the study showed that bony results were excellent in
for some patients. 13 cases (65%), good in 7 cases (35%), and no fair or poor
We recorded all the complications occurred with using TSF bony results were seen in our study. Functional results were
during this study, there were ten patients had complication: excellent in 20 cases (100%). Good, fair, poor, and failure
six cases (30%) related to wire infection that improved functional results were not recorded for any patient of our
with wire removal in the clinic, one case (5%) had pin site study [Table 3].
infection that required removal in the operating room, and
one case (5%) had cellulitis that required a 10‑day course Discussion
of intravenous antibiotics. Two cases (10%) had reported Although deformity correction of the proximal tibia can
osteotomy site pain in the 1st day postoperatively who often be accomplished with an acute correction and the
improved with early compression software program. All use of internal fixation, this method has limitations.[1‑3] The
the cases (100%) developed pin site reaction during the presence of multiplanar deformities, symptomatic LLD,
adjusting or consolidation periods for one or more of the and lack of postoperative adjustability show the limitations
half pins, which was considered as a minor complication of this method. Acute correction of a proximal tibial
because it resolved with daily dressing. osteotomy can be associated with significant complications:
Table 3: Association for the Study and Application of the TSF is able to correct six‑axis deformities
Methods of Ilizarov score descriptions for bony result simultaneously with computer accuracy. Therefore,
and functional result after the application of the frame the surgeon is needed
Number of the cases Percentage to perform accurate deformity analysis and input all
Bony results the parameters to the website program. Undoubtedly,
Excellent 13 65 hexapod systems have become the treatment of choice
Good 7 35 for multiplanar skeletal deformities, especially with
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Good Nil 0 literature over the last years and found there is general
Fair Nil 0 consensus that the TSF is a very efficient surgical tool
Poor Nil 0
that allows the correction of any kind of deformity
Failure Nil 0 [Table 4].[15,21-30]
Rodl et al. investigated the workspace of a standard IRF
common peroneal nerve palsy and compartment syndrome;
construct compared to a standard TSF construct. According
the rate of neurovascular complications had reported to
to the results of this experimental study, the TSF provides
range from 3.3% to 18%.[17,18]
advantages in the correction of rotational and translational
The Ilizarov method of deformity correction and limb deformities.[31]
lengthening was the most important contribution in
Seide et al. reported on 16 cases treated with the Hexapod
the field of deformity correction in the last century.[4]
Ilizarov Fixator (LITOS GmbH & CO KG, Hamburg,
Significant disadvantages of the Ilizarov frame include a
Germany), and stressed the easy use of this fixator
long learning curve and the need for frame adjustments compared to the IRF when dealing with multidimensional
with creation of additional hinges when correcting deformity corrections. They found it favorable to use the
multiplanar deformities. When using the Ilizarov ring hexapod to avoid difficult and time‑consuming alterations
fixator (IRF) and its hinge system, it may sometimes of the IRF construct, as sometimes necessary when dealing
become difficult or even impossible to place the hinges with rotational deformities and secondary deformities
in the desired position, due to the frame construct during the lengthening procedure.[32]
itself. Even though the construct of the Ilizarov device
theoretically may allow for axial corrections in every Manner et al. concluded that the TSF allowed for much
possible dimension, the treatment of multidimensional higher precision in deformity correction compared to the
deformities may practically only partially be possible IRF. In multidimensional deformity corrections in particular,
and mostly affords a step‑by‑step treatment of all the TSF showed clear advantages. This may derive from
deformities. This may lengthen the procedure and is the TSF‑specific combination of a hexapod fixator with the
prone to lead to further deformities. Furthermore, the support of an Internet‑based software program, enabling
correction of rotational deformities with the Ilizarov precise simultaneous multiplanar deformity corrections.[33]
frame is a challenging task even for the most experienced We investigated the correction for all planes with TSF
surgeons.[6,19] simultaneous without many frame adjustments using
The greatest advantage of the TSF and other hexapod preassembled frame technique and checked the rate of
systems is the elimination of the need for frame complications. We did not compare our result with a
adjustments because they use six struts of adjustable length similar cohort of patients treated by classic Ilizarov frame,
attached to universal hinges to move an object in six as our center depends on hexapod frame for the treatment
degrees of freedom. Spatial fixators are based on identical of multiplanar proximal tibial deformities.
biological properties and host response as those of a There were statistical significance accurate
traditional Ilizarov fixator, with possibly better mechanical improvements between preoperative and postoperative
properties and ease of use.[20] With the introduction of parameters with using TSF. The patients in our study
hexagonal strut geometry, the precise displacement of the were very satisfied with the functional outcome, as
proximal and distal fragments relative to each other is indicated by the ASAMI score. All the patients indicated
achieved. However, this improvement comes with a price that they would undergo the same procedure. The
of increased cost. Spatial fixator costs are six to ten times overall clinical results suggest that patients’ satisfaction
higher than traditional Ilizarov circular external fixators. was high with this procedure as long as there were no
For this reason, it is essential to identify patients for which major complications. We agree that ours is not a very
spatial fixators would play a significantly effective role. novel concept and that many authors have shown good
44 Journal of Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction | Volume 6 | Issue 1 | January‑June 2020
Abdelaziz, et al.: Correction of multiplanar proximal tibial deformities using TSF
Feldman 19 children and Retrospective Tibia vara 21/22 corrected to within 3° Accurate and safe correction
et al.[23] adolescents (22 (proximal)
tibias)
Feldman 18 children and Retrospective Tibia vara MAD was 3.1 mm in gradual Gradual correction with TSF
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et al.[24] adolescents comparison of (proximal) correction group compared with is more accurate than acute
Gradual correction 17.1 mm in acute correction group. correction
using TSF (18) with MPTA within 38 of normal in 17/18
acute correction (14)
Naqui 53 children and Retrospective Tibia (44) 52/55 limbs ended with <15 mm Effective and efficient way
et al.[25] adolescents (55 Femur (11) LLD and 5° angular deformity to correct a wide variety
limbs) of simple and complex
deformities
Nho Case report Tibia Intentional deformity was TSF can be used in
et al.[26] temporarily implemented to a versatile fashion to
facilitate wound healing. Deformity temporarily create and then
correction, lengthening, and union correct tibial deformity
subsequently were achieved
Siapkara 3 adolescents Case series Proximal tibia PPTA and coronal plane deformity TSF was used successfully
et al.[27] with anterior were corrected to normal. LLD was to correct deformity and
growth arrest corrected LLD
and recurvatum
deformity
Tellisi 2 adults with Case series Proximal tibia One patient with varus and TSF can be used to correct
et al.[28] congenital limb shortening had correction to neutral
deformity and lengthen a
deficiencies and lengthening; the second patient
residual limb to improve
with valgus had correction to neutral
prosthesis fit and function
Tsaridis One patient with Case report Proximal tibia Severe tibial deformity was TSF used to correct
et al.[29] Paget’s disease corrected before a staged TKA deformity in Paget’s disease
Watanabe One patient with Case report Proximal tibia Deformity was corrected TSF successfully used for
et al.[30] failed opening revision HTO after failed
wedge HTO opening wedge correction
Rozbruch 102 adults Retrospective Tibia all zones MAD was 3 mm lateral to 8 mm Gradual correction with TSF
et al.[15] and children medial after neutral correction; after of all tibial deformities is
(122 tibia) intentional overcorrection, MAD safe and precise
with complex was 8 mm lateral to 12 mm medial.
deformities MPTA improved to 85°‑ 89°. LDTA
improved to 86°‑89°; 15/17 had less
than 5° diaphyseal deformity
TSF: Taylor spatial frame, MAD: Mechanical axis deviation, MPTA: Medial proximal tibial angle, PPTA: Posterior proximal tibial angle,
LLD: Limb length discrepancy, LDTA: Lateral distal tibial angle, TKA: Total knee arthroplasty, HTO: High tibial osteotomy
results in tibial deformity correction as well. We agree when there are multiapical and multidirectional deformities
that a comparison with deformity correction done using or extensive LLD. Our results compare favorably with the
the older Ilizarov fixator would have made the article published literature.
more useful.
Financial support and sponsorship
Conclusion Nil.
Based on our results, we think that the TSF allows gradual
Conflicts of interest
correction with safe, simple, accurate procedure and in
well‑tolerated manner [Figure 3]. This is particularly useful There are no conflicts of interest.
p. 282‑6.
13. Pizà G, Caja VL, Navarro A. Hydroxyapatite‑coated
external‑fixation pins. The effect on pin loosening and pin track
infection in leg lengthening for short stature. J Bone Joint Surg
2004;86:892‑7.
14. W‑Dahl A, Larsen ST. Pin site care in external fixation sodium
chloride or chlorhexidine solution as a cleansing agent. Arch
Orthop Trauma Surg 2004;124:555‑8.
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46 Journal of Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction | Volume 6 | Issue 1 | January‑June 2020
Abdelaziz, et al.: Correction of multiplanar proximal tibial deformities using TSF
31. Rodl R, Leidinger B, Bohm A, Winkelmann W. Correction of Orthop Relat Res 1999;363:186‑95.
deformities with conventional and hexapod frames – Comparison 33. Manner HM, Huebl M, Radler C, Ganger R, Petje G, Grill F.
of methods (German). Z Orthop Ihre Grenzgeb 2003;141:92‑8. Accuracy of complex lower‑limb deformity correction with
32. Seide K, Wolter D, Kortmann HR. Fracture reduction and external fixation: A comparison of the Taylor spatial frame with
deformity correction with the hexapod Ilizarov fixator. Clin the Ilizarov ring fixator. J Child Orthop 2007;1:55‑61.
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