Patent ID: 9125704
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of connecting adjacent bones, comprising: forming an incision to gain access to a joint between first and second bones; flexing the first and second bones such that the bones are disposed at an angle from one another; inserting a pointed tip of a core pin extending from a first end of a tube into a first end of the first bone until a tip of an elongate threaded member of an implant extending from and at least partially disposed within a second end of the tube is received within an intramedullary channel formed by the core pin and tube, the first end of the first bone being closer to the second bone compared to a second end of the first bone; repositioning the first and second bones such that they are approximately linearly aligned with each other; rotating the core pin in a first direction to drive the elongate threaded member into the second bone; decoupling the core pin from its engagement with the implant; and withdrawing the core pin and tube from the first bone to disengage the second end of the tube from a flexible portion of the implant including a plurality of prongs, wherein the plurality of prongs outwardly flex to contact the first bone when disengaged from the second end of the tube.