A rib fixation system having a bone plate (10) and mono cortical bone screws (23) adapted for affixation to a rib the security of the system being enhanced by providing paired sets (16) of screw receiving openings (13) wherein the offset axis of each opening of the paired set (16) is approximately ten degrees off from the normal axis in the transverse direction toward the longitudinal midline (M) of the bone plate (10) and is also approximately ten degrees off the normal axis in the longitudinal direction with the offset axis of each opening in a paired set (16) being turned toward the other opening in the paired set (16).
