title: Transarticular approach and retrograde plate osteosynthesis (TARPO) using implants with angular stability -- a series of 17 cases of complex distal femoral fractures type C3/AO.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of distal femoral fractures type C3 AO, using TARPO technique and plates with angular stability.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 17 fractures type C3 AO, with 4 open fractures: 1 type I, 1 type II, and 2 type IIIA with bone loss Gustilo. All patients were operated by TARPO technique using Less Invasive Stabilization System-LISS (4 cases), Locked Compression Plates-LCP (8 cases) and plates with polyaxial stability (5 cases). The excellent stability of the construct allowed fast knee rehabilitation. The follow-up period included at least 12 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  15 fractures healed within a mean time of 12.6 weeks,while 2 cases with open fractures and bone loss required secondary bone grafting. We recorded no infection or implant failures. The outcome using Neer scale was excellent in 9 cases and satisfactory in 7 cases (1 patient with discontinued follow-up).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This demanding TARPO technique has the advantage of a faster rate of union and improved exposure of the knee joint. The locked plates provide a unique alternative in distal femoral fractures type C3 AO, as well as in osteoporotic and open fractures.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Sîrbu
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Asaftei
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Petreuş
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lupaşcu
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Puha
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Luncă
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome