Apparatus and methods for securing together bone fragments

[0041]Throughout this disclosure the discussion will be primarily directed to the joining together of sternum bone fragments. It is to be appreciated, however, that the devices and methods disclosed herein are applicable to the joining together of bone fragments other than those of the sternum.

[0042]FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view along line A-A of FIG. 1 with the sternum having a cut 22 that divides it into the sternum halves 22 and 24. The cross-sectional shape of the sternum generally comprises elongate top and bottom surfaces 30 and 31 that are joined at their ends by first and second bent surfaces 32 and 33. The top and bottom surfaces 30,31 typically possess some curvature as shown in FIG. 2, but generally appear relatively flat in nature as compared to the bent ends 32,33 that possess a large degree of curvature along a short distance. As shown in FIG. 2, in some patient's the top surface 30 may have a generally concave shape and the bottom surface 31 may have a generall