US Patent 10111690 Arthrodesis implant and buttressing apparatus and method

An arthrodesis anchor as a monolithic piece has prongs supporting barbs extending radially therefrom. A neck between the ends may be angled to accommodate final alignment of resected surfaces of joints to be bonded. The neck may receive a tool for buttressing a first inserted end against further penetration into a joint while the second inserted end is inserted into the other adjacent joint. The proximal and intermediate phalangeal joints may be trimmed and pilot drilled, and may be broached with or without a k-wire guide. A first end may be inserted by a tool, typically into the proximal joint, but the order may be reversed. The second end may then be inserted into a pilot in the base of the intermediate joint.