摘要 |
An apparatus (10) maintains a desired distance between two parts (5, 6) of a severed sternum of a patient. The apparatus (10) includes an elongate member (20), such as a plastic or surgical steel plate, and an element (60) for securing the elongate member (20) to each of the two parts (5, 6) of the severed sternum. The elongate member (20) has longitudinal edges (32, 34) dimensioned and configured to space apart the two parts (5, 6) of the severed sternum the desired distance. When implanted, the two parts (5, 6) of the severed sternum engage the longitudinal edges (32, 34) of the elongate member (20) to maintain the desired distance between such parts.
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