Rigid fixation systems for cardiothoracic fixation

A method for converting tensile forces to compressive forces at a cortical surface of a bone, the method comprising the steps of:

• applying a force to an elastic bridge member of a compression device, wherein the bridge member is located between at least a first region and a second opposing region of the device;
• elastically straining the elastic bridge member from a non-linear configuration when in an unbiased condition to a more linear configuration to position a first opening in the first region and a second opening in the second opposing region over a first bone fragment and a second bone fragment, respectively, with the elastic bridge member spanning a fracture line between the first bone fragment and the second bone fragment, wherein the first opening and the second opening are separated by a first distance when the elastic bridge member is in the non-linear configuration, and the first opening and the second opening are separated by a second distance when the elastic bridge member is in the more linear configuration, and the second distance is greater than the first distance;
• passing a first fastener through the first opening and into the first bone fragment and passing a second fastener through the second opening and into the second bone fragment;
• and
• releasing strain on the elastic bridge member so that the device applies a compressive force across the fracture line.

A compression device comprising:

• a rod;
• and
• a first staple and a second staple, wherein the first stable includes a first boss having a first hole and the second staple includes a second boss having a second hole, and the rod is received in the first hole and the second hole,
• wherein tensile forces in the rod are convertible to compressive forces across a fracture between a first bone fragment and a second bone fragment.