Patent ID: 8100983

Claim:
A method of fusing an interphalangeal joint, comprising the step of implanting an intraosseous implant, said intraossesous implant comprising: a) a first end portion adapted to locate at an intraosseous position within a first phalanx; ii) a second end portion adapted to locate at an intraosseous position within a second phalanx; iii) a curved portion disposed between said first end portion and said second end portion, said curved portion adapted to traverse a distance of said interphalangeal joint to fix said first phalanx at an angle in relation to said second phalanx; and b) a projection element coupled lengthwise to said elongate member, said projection element adapted to locate a first part at an intraosseous position within said first phalanx and locate a second part at an intraosseous position within said second phalanx, said projection element outwardly extending from said elongate member having said intraosseous position within said first phalanx and said second phalanx a distance toward said the external surface of said first phalanx and said second phalanx sufficient to rotationally fix said first phalanx and said second phalanx in relation to said elongate member.