Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 19, 2025 – Global Sternal Closure Systems Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 4.6 Billion by 2034 from US$ 2.7 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. In 2024, North America led the market, achieving over 37.9% share with a revenue of US$ 1.0 Billion.
Sternal closure systems play a vital role in thoracic surgery, particularly after open-heart procedures. These systems are designed to stabilize the sternum following median sternotomy, ensuring proper bone healing, reducing complications, and minimizing pain during recovery. The rising global burden of cardiovascular diseases, combined with an increase in cardiac surgeries, has driven the demand for more secure and patient-friendly closure methods.
Modern sternal closure technologies include stainless-steel wires, rigid plates, and novel polymer-based devices that offer enhanced stability and reduce the risk of sternal dehiscence or infection. Rigid fixation using titanium plates has been associated with lower reoperation rates and improved outcomes in high-risk patients, such as those with obesity, diabetes, or osteoporosis.
Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) have established stringent quality and safety guidelines for these systems. Surgeons are increasingly adopting evidence-based protocols and using advanced closure techniques to comply with surgical best practices and reduce healthcare costs.
As hospitals aim to improve post-operative care, the integration of innovative sternal closure systems is expected to play a critical role. Their adoption is being supported by growing awareness, enhanced training, and favorable clinical guidelines, driving a shift toward safer cardiac surgical recovery worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the global sternal closure systems market generated a total revenue of approximately USD 2.7 billion. The market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%, reaching an estimated USD 4.6 billion by 2033.
- By product type, the market is segmented into closure devices and bone cement. Closure devices emerged as the leading category, accounting for 58.5% of the total market share in 2023.
- In terms of material composition, the market is categorized into titanium, stainless steel, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and others. Titanium held the dominant position with a substantial market share of 47.2% due to its biocompatibility and structural strength.
- Based on application, the market is classified into median sternotomy, hemisternotomy, bilateral thoracosternotomy, and others. Among these, median sternotomy remained the largest application segment, contributing 52.8% to the overall market revenue in 2023.
- Regionally, North America led the global sternal closure systems market, securing a prominent market share of 37.9% in 2023, attributed to high surgical volumes, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and increased adoption of innovative closure technologies.
Segmentation Analysis
- Product Type Analysis: In 2023, closure devices dominated the product type segment with a 58.5% market share. Their growing use is driven by the need for safe and stable sternal fixation post-cardiac surgery. Devices such as wires and rigid plates are favored for reducing complications and enabling faster recovery. Advances in design, strength, and usability are supporting increased adoption. As surgical standards evolve, closure devices are expected to replace older methods, reinforcing segmental growth across global healthcare settings.
- Material Analysis: Titanium accounted for a leading 47.2% share of the material segment in 2023. Its popularity stems from its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and high biocompatibility. These features make titanium ideal for implants and sternal fixation devices, especially in complex cardiac surgeries. As healthcare providers prioritize long-term patient outcomes, the demand for titanium-based systems is rising. Its proven effectiveness in reducing complications and promoting bone healing continues to drive its dominance in the material category.
- Application Analysis: The median sternotomy segment held the largest revenue share of 52.8% in 2023. This procedure remains the standard approach for most open-heart surgeries, including CABG and valve replacements. With the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases and a growing elderly population, the demand for reliable closure solutions has surged. Enhanced clinical outcomes and technological advancements in sternotomy closure methods are expected to further boost growth in this segment over the coming years.
Market Segments
Product Type
- Closure Devices
- Bone Cement
Material
- Stainless Steel
- Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
- Titanium
- Others
Application
- Median Sternotomy
- Hemisternotomy
- Bilateral Thoracosternotomy
- Others
Regional Analysis
In 2023, North America accounted for the largest revenue share of 37.9% in the global sternal closure systems market. This leadership is attributed to three core drivers. First, the region experienced a sustained rise in cardiac procedures, with the American Heart Association reporting over 500,000 coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgeries annually in the U.S. Second, Medicare & Medicaid Services registered a 7% increase in approved claims for sternal closure interventions, signaling improved reimbursement access.
Third, technological advancements gained momentum, with eight new closure devices approved by the FDA between 2022 and 2024, including advanced titanium plating systems. In response, leading manufacturers reported 12–15% production capacity expansions. Moreover, American Hospital Association data showed a 10% rise in hospital purchases of specialized closure systems, further reinforcing the region’s market dominance.
Emerging Trends
- Shift from Wire Cerclage to Rigid Plate Fixation: Traditional stainless-steel wire cerclage is being increasingly supplanted by titanium plate systems. Rigid plate fixation offers enhanced mechanical stability, promotes faster bone healing, and is associated with fewer sternal complications compared with wire closure. Since 2022, multiple devices such as the BIOMET SternaLock Blu (K110574), Able Medical’s Valkyrie Thoracic Fixation System, and Medtronic’s Titan Sternal Fixation System have received FDA 510(k) clearance, reflecting growing clinical adoption.
- Adoption of Polymer and Composite Materials: Beyond metals, biocompatible polymers and composites (e.g., PEEK-based plates and polymer-coated bands) are emerging. These materials reduce artifact in postoperative imaging and improve patient comfort due to their lighter weight and elastic properties. Single-use polymer compression bands have been cleared to simplify sternal closure in both primary and reconstructive procedures, decreasing instrument breakage and infection risks.
- Integration of Advanced Wound-Management Protocols: Management of infected or high-risk wounds now often combines vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy with rigid plate fixation. A treatment algorithm employing VAC followed by plate stabilization has demonstrated improved control of mediastinitis and accelerated healing in post-sternotomy infections.
- Use of External Supportive Devices Postoperatively: External corsets and supportive bands (e.g., Stern-E-Fix) are being used adjunctively to reduce dehiscence and superficial infections in high-risk patients. In a randomized study (n=380), patients wearing a supportive corset experienced a 3.4% infection rate versus 9.5% in controls, with significantly fewer dehiscence events and shorter hospital stays .
Use Cases
- High-Risk Poststernotomy Patients: In a multicenter randomized trial (n=140), patients receiving rigid plate fixation achieved sternal union in 70% of cases at 6 months versus 24% with wire cerclage (p=0.003). Early postoperative pain scores were significantly lower (mean 2.5 vs. 3.9 at 1 month), and narcotic usage decreased in the plate group .
- Poor Bone Quality or Osteoporotic Sternums: The Biomet Microfixation Sternal Closure System (titanium plates with self-drilling screws) is intended for use in patients with both normal and poor bone quality. Its design obviates the need for predrilling, ensuring secure fixation in osteoporotic bone and reducing the risk of sternal displacement.
- Management of Infected Median Sternotomy Wounds: A clinical algorithm combining vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) devices with subsequent rigid plate fixation has been applied successfully to treat deep sternal wound infections. This strategy promotes infection control and supports stable fusion in mediastinitis cases.
- Emergency and Reconstructive Procedures: Single-use polymer-coated compression systems, such as those cleared for sternal stabilization, provide rapid fixation in emergency re-entry scenarios and complex reconstructive surgeries. These devices streamline workflows by eliminating the need for wire tying and minimizing instrumentation failures.
Conclusion
The global sternal closure systems market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the rising burden of cardiovascular surgeries and increasing adoption of advanced fixation technologies. Titanium plates, polymer-based systems, and integrated wound management protocols are enhancing surgical outcomes, especially in high-risk and elderly populations.
With North America leading in innovation and clinical adoption, the global market is expected to reach USD 4.6 billion by 2033. Enhanced regulatory support, favorable reimbursement trends, and a shift toward evidence-based surgical practices are reinforcing the importance of secure and efficient sternal closure solutions in modern cardiac and thoracic care.
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