Matrix Midface System
The new matrix midface plate and screw system is intended for use in selective trauma of the midface and craniofacial skeleton; craniofacial surgery; reconstructive procedures; and selective orthognatic surgery of the maxilla and chin. One of the main intentions was to make the system flexible and easy to use.
The system offers a full range plate selection for NOE, ZMC, LeFort I, and a variety of other craniofacial indications made out of commercially pure titanium. Four thicknesses are available: 0.4mm (silver), 0.5mm (blue), 0.7 mm (pink), and 0.8mm (gold). The color coding designates the plate strength.
Only one screw diameter and one screwdriver blade
To make the system more user friendly and simple it is designed in a way that all screws work with all plates within the entire set. Moreover only one screwdriver blade is necessary as it works for all screws within the system. The screws are available in 3mm to 18mm lengths. They also have a color coding to distinguish between self-drilling (silver), self-tapping (bronze), and emergency (blue) designs. In comparison to the existing set recess for improved retention and reduced cam-out as well as faster insertion due to the 0.60 mm thread pitch design are the major advantages. All screws in the set are made out of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb).
Other improvements are the reduced plate/screw profile and the self retaining screws/blades allowing for easier screw/blade re-engagement and reduced screw cam-out. The edges on the plates are rounded to avoid soft tissue damage. A reduced overall plate and screw profile has been achieved.
The standardized instrumentation makes the matrix midface system more efficient and helps reducing inventory for hospitals without compromising clinical solutions.
As with every AO product, the matrix midface system has been tested at a large number of sites before achieving AO approval. When compared to existing sets, those surveyed reported the new system to be much easier to use and found the consolidation of product that the Matrix system offers to be an important step forward. Additionally, the improved screw/plate profile (in comparison to the existing 1.5mm system) as well as screw insertion/retention were found to be significantly better than in the current systems.
Fig 1ab
Treatment of zygomatic fracture with matrix midface plates.
Case images courtesy of Scott P Bartlett, Philadelphia, US
Fig 2ad Highly comminuted panfacial fracture.
Fig 2ad Highly comminuted panfacial fracture (continued).
Case images courtesy of Scott P Bartlett, Philadelphia, US
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