Over 350, 000 people suffer rib fractures every year in the U.S. DePuy Synthes CMF has launched new instrumentation that enables less invasive surgical fixation and stabilization of those rib fractures.
New Rib Fracture Instrumentation From DePuy Synthes
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According to a September 12, 2013 announcement, the MatrixRIB system is precontoured with low-profile titanium plates, locking screws and intramedullary splints.
The company says the MatrixRIB Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) system was designed to provide surgeons with improved access, through small incisions, to rib fractures including difficult to reach sub-scapula rib fractures. The new instruments include a Trocar, Threaded Reduction Tool (TRT) with self-drilling tip and a 90 degree screwdriver with drilling capability.
Adam Shiroff, M.D., FACS, chief of trauma at the Jersey Shore University Medical System, said surgical fixation and stabilization of painful rib fractures is a growing procedure. “The introduction of new MIPO instrumentation should help make it an even more attractive option for both surgeons and patients. The instrumentation facilitates a less invasive rib fixation procedure, and a less invasive procedure may result in less pain, quicker recovery and reduced hospitalization.”
According to research cited by the company, potential benefits of surgical stabilization (osteosynthesis) of severe rib fractures over non-surgical treatments include reduced duration of mechanical ventilation support, shortened ICU stays and hospitalization, better secretion management through efficient cough, and minimized chest wall deformities resulting from trauma.
Rib fractures are associated with respiratory complications, prolonged hospitalization, prolonged pain, long-term disability and mortality.
Since its launch in 2009, more than 5, 000 patients worldwide have received the system implants. The system is the only rib fixation system that is approved by the AO Foundation.
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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