| abstract |
An apparatus for attaching a first bone to an adjacent second bone includes an anchor having a platform and at least two helical spikes for embedding into at least one of the bones upon rotation of the platform. The helical spikes project from a surface on the platforms. The anchor has a first condition in which a first portion of each of the helical spikes is extendable into one of the bones. The anchor further has a second condition in which the first portions are extendable into the other of the bones and a second portion of each of the helical spikes is extendable into the one bone to attach the bones to each other while maintaining a space between the bones. Each of the helical spikes further includes a third portion that extends between the first and second portions and that, when the anchor is embedded into the bones, extends across the space. |