Patent ID: 8556948

Claim:
A method of securing the longitudinally severed halves of a sternum in abutting relation comprising the steps of: providing a sternal clamp comprising a first body member and a second body member, said first body member and said second body member slidingly interconnected to each other whereby the overall length of said clamp is adjustable, a pair of sternal engagement members connected to each of said first body member and said second body member, said sternal engagement members extending to the rear of each of said body members, and a first rib extension member connected to said first body member between said pair of sternal engagement members, said first rib extension member extending beyond said first body member and comprising rib securing members adapted to secure said first rib extension member directly onto a rib; whereby each of said pairs of sternal engagement members is configured to abut the outer side of a longitudinally severed halve of a sternum and to receive a rib therebetween, and whereby said first rib extension member is securable directly onto one said rib; positioning said clamp across said longitudinally severed halves of said sternum such that said pairs of sternal engagement members abut the outer sides of said longitudinally severed halves of said sternum and such that each said pair of sternal engagement members receives a rib therebetween; securing said first rib extension member to one of said ribs; contracting said clamp to draw said longitudinally severed halves of said sternum into abutting relation; and locking said clamp to secure said longitudinally severed halves of said sternum in abutting relation.