Patent ID: 6423063
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method comprising the steps of changing a spatial relationship between first and second bones which are ginter connected at a joint in a patient's body, said step of changing a spatial relationship between the first and second bones includes moving a wedge member which is at least partially formed of biodegradable material into the joint between the first and second bones, said step of moving the wedge member into the joint between the first and second bones includes moving the second bone from a first orientation relative to the first bone to a second orientation relative to the first bone Under the influence of force applied against the second bone by the wedge member as the wedge member moves into the joint between the first and second bones, thereafter, transmitting force between the first and second bones through the wedge member while the second bone is in the second orientation relative to the first bone, and, thereafter, degrading biodegradable material of the wedge member.