Patent ID: 8814878
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of attaching a support structure to a bone, comprising: heating an amount of polymer to at least a glass transition temperature within an injection cannula that has a first end and a second end that is distal to the first end and connected to a polymer supply inlet to sequentially provide the amount of polymer to form a fastener, maintaining a temperature gradient from the first end of the injection cannula to the second end of the injection cannula such that the temperature gradient is warmer at the second end of the injection cannula than at the first end of the injection cannula; drilling a hole in the bone to accept the fastener; inserting the injection cannula through a hole in the support structure, past an interface between the support structure and the bone, and at least partially into the hole in the bone; injecting the heated amount of polymer from the second end of the injection cannula, into the hole in the bone to form the fastener; and removing the injection cannula from the hole in the bone and the hole in the support structure, such that the fastener fastens the bone to the support structure.