The Taylor spatial frame for deformity correction in the lower limbs.

The Taylor spatial frame uses the slow correction principles of the Ilizarov system but adds a six-axis deformity analysis incorporated within a computer program. To evaluate its use in our community, we used it in lengthening and deformity correction of the lower limbs to treat 22 cases from 1999 to 2001. There were 14 females and eight males (average age 16.5 years). Our target was lengthening in eight cases, correction of deformities in eight and both in six. The results were excellent in 18 cases, good in two, and fair in two. Despite the cost, patient profile and a steep learning curve, our results were encouraging but less favorable than with the Ilizarov external fixator.