Your Frame

The circular frame is a device used to treat complex fractures. Most commonly in the tibia (the shin bone) but it can also be used in the femur (thigh bone) or arm. 

Circular frames come in two different types. The Ilizarov frame, shown on the left, was invented by Professor Gavriil Ilizarov in 1951 in Russia. Designed to treat severe and complex traumatic injuries, it continues to be used today. It is also effective in the treatment of bone infection, limb length discrepancy and deformity.

The second type, the Hexapod frame, was invented in 1994 by the Taylor brothers. Sometimes referred to as the Taylor-spatial frame, it is primarily used to correct limb deformity (bent limbs) after trauma or disease. Some surgeons also use the Taylor Spatial frame trauma.

The main components of circular frames are rings, struts, wires that go through the bone and half pins that go into the bone. The combination of these components allows your surgeon to manipulate your bones and hold them in a good position whilst they heal.

In the worst injuries where the bone has fractured and comes through the skin (known as an open or compound fracture) the risk of infection is higher. The damage to the soft tissues (skin, tendon, muscle, nerve and blood vessels) is also more significant in this type of injury and this slows down the rate of healing and increases the risks associated with surgical treatment. 

Treatment with a circular frame  lowers the risk of serious infection and is also kinder to the hard and soft tissues. Often, circular frames also allow for treatment of the soft tissues at the same time (known as orthoplastics reconstruction). 

Circular frames also allow your surgeon to grow new bone within your limb, a process known as distraction osteogenesis. This allows surgeons to attempt to save a limb which would otherwise be amputated or function poorly. It is also the process we manipulate to treat short, angulated or rotated limbs.

In those with problems with limb function, you are more likely to undergo treatment with the Taylor-spatial or Hexapod frame where corrections to the nearest millimetre can be performed.

The average time in frame for a fit and healthy person with a fracture, who doesn’t smoke, drink to excess or have a serious open wound is 18 weeks. This can vary depending on your injury and the way in which it is treated. The frame can be safely applied and remain for periods of over a year.

 For those undergoing treatment for limb functional problems the time in frame will depend on your treatment and your surgeon will give you an indication of how long they expect your bone to heal.