Preventing instability of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) during a strut change.

SUMMARY: During treatment with a Taylor Spatial Frame, some of the struts may need to be exchanged for one of a different length. An extra "seventh" strut is usually added to the frame during this procedure. This article describes a "technical trick" to ensure stability during a strut change. The frame was stable whenever the orientation of the "acute ring-strut" of the temporary strut matched that of the strut being exchanged. Clinicians must anticipate that instability can exist during strut changes, and this will depend on the particular configuration and position of the frame. Applying the rule indentified in this article may prevent instability, pain, and tissue damage.