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Who is Synthes?
Synthes develops, produces and markets instruments, implants and biomaterials
for the surgical fixation, correction and regeneration of the human skeleton and
its soft tissues. For more information, please visit
www.synthes.com.
What are the indications for the Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System?
The Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System is indicated for the fixation and
stabilization of rib fractures, fusions and osteotomies of normal and osteoporotic
bone.
Can a plate be used to span a gap in the rib?
No.
What is the difference between the “Red” and “Light Blue” Plates?
The “Red” plates are intended to best match the profile of the ribs on
the Right side of the patient, while the “Light blue” plates are intended to best
match the profile of the ribs on the Left side of the patient.
Does the periosteum need to be removed prior to securing the plate?
The Plate is designed to be used without removing the periosteum, to maximize
blood supply to the bone.
Does the intercostal membrane need to be disrupted to secure the plate?
The plate is placed on the exterior aspect of the rib and does not violate
the intercostal membrane.
What material are the plates made from?
The plates are made from implant grade Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb) for
flexibility and strength.
How thick are the plates?
The plates are 1.5mm thick.
What is the screw diameter?
The screws are 2.9mm in diameter.
Can the plates be bent further if they do not match the geometry of the rib?
Yes. Since the plates are precontoured to fit an average rib shape, some
minor intraoperative bending may be required. There is a plate bending template
in the set to aid in determining the profile of the rib and to act as a guide in
bending the plates, and there is an instrument in the set to help contour the plate
both in-plane and out-of-plane. If contouring is necessary, avoid sharp bends, reverse
bends, or bending of the implant at a screw hole. Avoid notching or scratching the
implant. These factors may produce internal stresses which may become the focal
point for eventual breakage of the implant.
Can the plates be cut prior to use?
Yes. A minimum of 3 screws should be used on each side of the fracture
for proper fixation.
What is the function of the non-locking screw?
The non-locking screw is intended to be used to help lag the bone to the
plate in the event that the plate holding forceps are not effective at doing this.
The non-locking screw would be placed in the first drilled hole and tightened down
to draw the plate down on to the surface of the bone. Locking screws should be used
at subsequent holes, and the non-locking screw should be replaced with a locking
screw once all remaining screws are placed.
How many screws are required on each side of the fracture to secure the plate?
A minimum of 3 screws should be used on each side of the fracture
for secure fixation.
Is the splint strong enough to support anticipated respiratory loading over
the duration of fracture healing?
Mechanical testing showed that the splints in the MatrixRIB system were sufficiently
strong to endure a load level 5x anticipated respiratory loading for a period of
360,000 cycles. After that
loading period, the splint/rib construct maintained a compressive bending strength
similar to intact osteoporotic bone, or 23 times respiratory loading. See Biomechanical
Testing page for detail.
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