Rib fractures are a common and often painful result of trauma, and current treatments can involve highly invasive procedures with extensive recovery times. Professor Martinez’s device addresses this challenge by enabling surgeons to insert a fastener into a plate at an angle of up to 180° from the plane of insertion, facilitating a more precise and less invasive procedure.

The device is specifically designed to carry multiple tools at once, including fasteners, a tightening tool, a cutting device and tweezers. By integrating all these tools into one device, the procedure can be completed more rapidly, reducing the number of times the device needs to be removed and reinserted during surgery. This not only makes the surgery faster but also lowers the chance of infection and improves overall efficiency.

Professor Martinez’s work is an exemplary model of how the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue continues to drive innovation in medical technologies. The device has the potential to significantly reduce complications associated with traditional rib fracture surgeries, offering patients a safer, more efficient alternative to current treatment methods.

As the device progresses toward clinical applications, it holds the promise of transforming rib fracture repair, making the recovery process easier for patients and providing medical professionals with a more effective tool for treating this common injury.

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