Expandable fastener for orthopedic use

Abstract

An expandable fastener for orthopedic use is disclosed. In one embodiment, the expandable fastener comprises a body that is operable coaxially with the axis of the expandable fastener and is arranged to fasten when placed in a bony perforation. The fastener further comprises an expansion member having at least one expansion portion that is movable between a retraction configuration and an expansion configuration, so that during use, the expansion portion or each expansion portion moves outward from the axis of the body toward the expansion configuration toward the bone surrounding the perforation. An actuator is provided that is arranged to be movable along the axis. A coupling array is also provided that is operable to couple the expansion member with the actuator in order to enable movement of the expansion portion or each expansion portion toward / from the retraction / expansion configuration via the actuator. In one embodiment, the coupling array is configured to couple the expansion member directly with the actuator so that the actuator lockably supports or holds the expansion member, so that relative movement between the actuator and the expansion member along the axis is substantially suppressed.

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