A device for guiding separation of and rejoining opposed portions of a bone, comprising: a first plate configured to be disposed on and coupled to the bone, the first plate including: a first face; a ratchet mechanism on a top portion of the first plate facing away from the bone, the ratchet mechanism having a locking element capture receptacle and a first fastener aperture (152a, 152b, 152c) configured to receive a first fastener to couple the first plate to the bone; a second plate configured to be disposed on and coupled to the bone and spaced a distance from the first plate, the space allowing a cutting tool to be used to create a divide in the bone between the first and second plates (102, 104), the second plate including: a second face configured to oppose and face the first face when the first and second plates (102, 104) are coupled to the bone; and a second fastener aperture (160a, 160b, 160c) configured to receive a second fastener to couple the second plate to the bone; and a locking element having first and second ends (174, 176), the first end being seated in the locking element capture receptacle of the ratchet mechanism and the second end being engageable with the second plate, the locking element coiling around the ratchet mechanism in response to operation of the ratchet mechanism and drawing the first and second plates (102, 104) together to close the divide. a first face; a ratchet mechanism on a top portion of the first plate facing away from the bone, the ratchet mechanism having a locking element capture receptacle and a first fastener aperture (152a, 152b, 152c) configured to receive a first fastener to couple the first plate to the bone; a second plate configured to be disposed on and coupled to the bone and spaced a distance from the first plate, the space allowing a cutting tool to be used to create a divide in the bone between the first and second plates (102, 104), the second plate including: a second face configured to oppose and face the first face when the first and second plates (102, 104) are coupled to the bone; and a second fastener aperture (160a, 160b, 160c) configured to receive a second fastener to couple the second plate to the bone; and a locking element having first and second ends (174, 176), the first end being seated in the locking element capture receptacle of the ratchet mechanism and the second end being engageable with the second plate, the locking element coiling around the ratchet mechanism in response to operation of the ratchet mechanism and drawing the first and second plates (102, 104) together to close the divide. a second face configured to oppose and face the first face when the first and second plates (102, 104) are coupled to the bone; and a second fastener aperture (160a, 160b, 160c) configured to receive a second fastener to couple the second plate to the bone; and a locking element having first and second ends (174, 176), the first end being seated in the locking element capture receptacle of the ratchet mechanism and the second end being engageable with the second plate, the locking element coiling around the ratchet mechanism in response to operation of the ratchet mechanism and drawing the first and second plates (102, 104) together to close the divide.