A sternum fixation assembly is disclosed for fixing the sternum following a modified median sternotomy. The sternotomy divides a median into left and right median facing walls. A pair of left and right opposing excavations are made in the walls. The assembly comprises an implantable bio-absorbable transverse member configured for enclosure into the excavations of the left and right halves of the vertically divided sternum. An elongated coupleable adjustable compression member is dimensioned for receipt about the inter-rib spaces about the sternum and adapted to apply compression to the outer ridges of the sternum to help maintain the sternum enclosure.
