| abstract |
A soft, expandable, implantable device sized for spacing between small bones comprising a first smooth surface on which a first small bone may slide. Implant (700) includes an opening (704) (passage) extending through the device for promoting fibrotic development through the opening from a direction from both thumb metacarpal (202) and trapezium (204). Passage (704) is optionally distally positioned from a one-way inflation valve (706) included inside an inflation port (702) substantially limiting possible damage to the device due to the insertion pressure of an expansion fluid. An inflation cannula and/or needle may be attached to inflation port (702) and inflation valve (706) for introducing the expansion fluid into the device. Implant (700) is inserted in a deflated mode and is positioned so that thumb metacarpal (202) abuts distal side (703) of the device when expanded and trapezium (704) abuts proximal side (701). Both distal side (703) and proximal side (701) include a smooth surface for allowing relative movement of thumb metacarpal (202) and trapezium (204) with respect to device (700). |