The Biomechanics of Rigid Plate Fixation (RPF)
The shift from traditional wire cerclage to Rigid Plate Fixation (RPF) is based on the orthopedic principle of primary bone healing. In 2026, cardiothoracic surgeons increasingly view a median sternotomy not just as an access point, but as a "surgical fracture" that requires anatomical reduction and stable fixation.
Unlike wires, which provide only linear support and can "saw" through bone over time, rigid titanium plates provide two-dimensional stability. They act as a skeletal brace that holds the two halves of the sternum together, virtually eliminating micro-motion. This reduction in movement is the primary factor in decreasing post-operative pain and preventing deep sternal wound infections (DSWI), as it maintains the integrity of the wound bed and allows for earlier, more aggressive respiratory therapy.