means 50 removed a view of an embodiment showing the sternal closure device 10 in position on the sternum 90 is shown in fig1 an alternative embodiment for the sternal closure device 10 is illustrated in fig7 through 10 in this embodiment at least one of the anterior brace members 21 31 has a different configuration in that the transverse bridging means 50 comprises lateral arm members 55 affixed rigidly to or formed as an integral component of the anterior brace member 21 or 31 the securing means 60 comprises arm brackets 65 that are secured to the anterior brace member 21 or 31 to receive the lateral arm members 55 the arm brackets 65 are provided with bracket bolts or similar fasteners 66 that are mated with threaded apertures in the anterior brace member 21 or 31 whereby tightening of the bracket bolt 66 forces the arm bracket 65 against the lateral arm member 55 to fix the relative lateral positions of the two brace assemblies 20 30 preferably the lateral arm members 55 and either the arm brackets 65 or the upper surface of the anterior brace member 21 or 31 are provided with lateral arm interlocking members 56 such as projections teeth ridges or the like while the illustrations show all lateral arm members 55 extending from only one of the anterior brace members.