Patent ID: 8888778

Claim:
A method comprising: grasping an intramedullary fixation device that comprises: an arrowhead-shaped distal head having first, second, third, and fourth outwardly facing side surfaces forming a pyramidal shape, the first and third side surfaces being opposed from each other and forming a first angle, and the second and fourth side surfaces being opposed from each other and forming a second angle, each of the first and third side surfaces having a proximally projecting edge forming a tip of a barb, the barbs being configured to engage tissue and inhibit movement of the distal head in a proximal direction, and wherein the second and fourth side surfaces lack proximal edges forming barbs, an arrowhead-shaped proximal head having fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth outwardly facing side surfaces, the fifth and seventh side surfaces being opposed from each other and forming a third angle, and the sixth and eighth side surfaces being opposed from each other and forming a fourth angle, each of the fifth and seventh side surfaces having a distally projecting edge forming a tip of a barb, the barbs being configured to engage tissue and inhibit movement of the proximal head in a distal direction, and wherein the sixth and eighth side surfaces lack proximal edges forming barbs; and a cylindrical body extending between and connecting the distal head and the proximal head, the cylindrical body having a rigidity sufficient to withstand bending loading applied by a first bone element and a second bone element; introducing a proximal end of the device into an intramedullary canal of a first bone element; introducing a distal end of the device into an intramedullary canal of a second bone element; releasing the intramedullary fixation device; and pressing the first and second bone elements together.