Patent ID: 6248108
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A surgical fastener comprising:an at least partially bioabsorbable screw made from a bioabsorbable material that is oriented or fibrillated comprising: a distal end, a proximal end having a head having a first diameter and a height, a shank having a second diameter and connected to said head, and at least one thread having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, wherein at least a portion of said thread has a height of at least 1.5 mm;an at least partially bioabsorbable annular washer having upper and lower sides and a opening therethrough, said upper side facing said head of said screw,said shank of said screw passing through said opening in said washer, andsaid opening having a third diameter that is: larger than the second diameter of said shank; smaller than the first diameter of said head; and smaller than the outer diameter of said thread; wherein the washer degrades faster in vivo than the screw.