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
P.D. Sîrbu, R. Asaftei, T. Petreuş, C. Lupaşcu, B. Puha, S. LuncăOriginal article, no. 2, 2014
Aim: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate theoutcome of distal femoral fractures type C3 AO, usingTARPO technique and plates with angular stability.Material and Methods: The study included 17 fractures typeC3 AO, with 4 open fractures: 1 type I, 1 type II, and 2 typeIIIA with bone loss Gustilo. All patients were operated byTARPO technique using Less Invasive Stabilization System-LISS (4 cases), Locked Compression Plates-LCP (8 cases) andplates with polyaxial stability (5 cases). The excellent stabilityof the construct allowed fast knee rehabilitation. Thefollow-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 requiredsecondary bone grafting. We recorded no infection or implantfailures. The outcome using Neer scale was excellent in 9 casesand satisfactory in 7 cases (1 patient with discontinuedfollow-up).Conclusions: This demanding TARPO technique has theadvantage of a faster rate of union and improved exposure ofthe knee joint. The locked plates provide a unique alternativein distal femoral fractures type C3 AO, as well as in osteoporoticand open fractures.
