Talon Systems and Hook-and-Ratchet Fixation
For surgeons seeking the speed of wiring with the stability of plating, Sternal Talon Systems have become a major market force in 2026. These are lightweight, biocompatible titanium devices that "hook" over the edges of the sternum without the need for drilling into the bone.
The system uses a unique ratchet-and-screw mechanism. Two separate parts of the talon are inserted into the intercostal spaces (between the ribs), and a reduction clamp pushes them together to the desired width. Once compressed, a locking screw secures the mechanism. This provides a circumferential "hug" around the sternum that distributes pressure load across the entire length of the bone division. This technique is particularly valued in tertiary care settings for its rapid application and the ease with which it can be removed in the event of an emergency re-entry.