Failure to properly close the sternum after a sternotomy can lead to complications. Current sternal fixation devices, including screw and plate systems, reduce the risk of complications but are unable to provide a flush fit with the sternum and prevent screw loosening. The first goal of this study was to optimize a screw and plate system that addresses this issue. The system utilizes a lag-lock mechanism that permits locking of the screw after the plate is flush fit with the bone. The second goal was to design and characterize a sternal model to mimic the mechanical properties of bone. It was characterized using axial and lateral pullout tests and compared to a standard bone model. In testing, the custom model performed similar to how bone is expected to, making it a better sternal model.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Behanzin, Aaron Virgile
• Pizzimenti, Charlene Ann
• Dellasanta, Brittany Lynn

Contributors

• Dunn, Raymond
• University of Massachusetts Medical Center

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042313-125424

Advisor

• Billiar, Kristen

Year

• 2013

Sponsor

• KLS Martin Company

Date created

• 2013-04-23

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright