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External frames to correct bone deformities
ILIZAROV AND TAYLOR SPATIAL FRAMES
Our orthopaedic surgeons use advanced surgical apparatus to correct your child's bone deformity
About external frames
The frame can be used to fix a number of bone abnormalities and reconstruct the limb.
Primarily, the frame helps to mend complex fractures that have failed to heal (non-union) or failed to heal correctly (mal-union).
In children, it's used to lengthen bones and correct limb deformity, where one bone is longer than the other. This is often caused by unhealed growth plate injuries, usually in the shin bone (tibia), which can affect the back and surrounding joints too.
The frame itself is a set of circular stainless steel rings held together with rods and adjustable nuts. They're fixed to the bone itself and surround the limb. By tightening the nuts and rods and applying tension, the bone and soft tissue can be regenerated.
A variation on the Ilizarov frame is the spatial frame, which is used alongside software. The frame is adjusted daily for quicker recovery.
Need to know
This procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, so your child will be asleep throughout.
If the frame is being used to lengthen the limb, a cut may be made in the bone to stimulate healing and generate new bone cells.
The frame is then added. Around four to six rings are used (depending on the limb being operated on). These are then fixed to wires which pass through the skin, into the bone and out the other side of the limb. These wires are fixed to to the frame under tension. A circular cage now encases the limb. The length of operation depends on which limb is receiving the frame.
The frame is then added. Around four to six rings are used (depending on the limb being operated on). These are then fixed to wires which pass through the skin, into the bone and out the other side of the limb. These wires are fixed to to the frame under tension. A circular cage now encases the limb. The length of operation depends on which limb is receiving the frame.
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have.
In the week before surgery, it’s important that your child stays healthy.
Let your consultant know if your child has recently had a cold or a sore throat, as surgery may need to be postponed to reduce the risk of complications. Because general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, your child may need to fast for several hours before the operation.
Your consultant will tell you how long they should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Let your consultant know if your child has recently had a cold or a sore throat, as surgery may need to be postponed to reduce the risk of complications. Because general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, your child may need to fast for several hours before the operation.
Your consultant will tell you how long they should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Your child will wake up with the frame around their limb, which will be quite swollen. They may have received nerve blocks during surgery to reduce pain, so their limb may feel a little tingly. Pain from surgery will reduce gradually. If the frame is being used to extend the bone, then you'll need to tighten it four times a day with a special spanner. Your consultant will tell you how this works and what to do. Your child will need to attend frame clinics on a regular basis, throughout their treatment (usually every two to six weeks). When the treatment is completed, they'll need further surgery to remove the frame.
{{EntityName}} Consultants
Mr Andrew Goldberg OBE
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Mazin Ibrahim
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Jonathan Wright
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Gregory Bodley Firth
Orthopaedic Surgery
Our {{EntityName}} locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.