Patent ID: 8372123

Claim:
A sternal closure device comprising: a) a first plate forming a top surface and an opposite sternum-facing surface, and having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing said sternum-facing surface of said first plate to one side of the sternum, and a locking region with at least one aligning member protruding approximately perpendicular to the top surface of said plate; b) a second plate forming a top surface and an opposite sternum-facing surface, and having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing sternum-facing surface of said second said plate to an opposite side of the sternum, and a locking region dimensioned to contact at least a portion of said locking region of said first plate; and c) a rotating member having at least one aperture that engages with said at least one aligning member on said first plate for holding said first and second plates together to secure opposite sides of the sternum, wherein said first and second plates can be separated by disengaging said rotating member from said at least one aligning member.