Patent ID: 6921402
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for increasing driver-to-screw contact in a medical screw and driver system having an elongated screw formed at least partially from a bioabsorbable material and having external threads and an internal bore with a non-circular cross-sectional shape extending through at least a portion of the length of said screw and an elongated driver having a non-circular cross-sectional shape approximating the cross-sectional shape of said bore, said driver being insertable into said bore and being matingly received therein to transfer rotational motion of said driver to said screw, said method comprising the steps of: (A) inserting said driver into said bore of said screw; (B) heating said screw (C) allowing said screw to cool, said steps (B) and (C) inducing said screw to shrink whereby said bore molds itself to said driver such that the cross-sectional shape of said bore is closely mated to the cross-sectional shape of said driver; and (D) withdrawing said driver from said bore without altering said cross-sectional shape of said bore.