FIXATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING SAME

摘要

This invention is a fixation device (17) and apparatus (2) for inserting the fixation device into a bore in a bone. The apparatus is a hand-held device having an actuating mechanism (4) and a longitudinally extending member (5) coupled to the hand-held device to hold the fixation device. The fixation device has a plurality of engaging members (17A, 17B) adapted to be moved outwardly when the fixation device is inserted into the bore. The extending member has an operating member (6) coupled to the fixation device for exerting a force thereon tending to cause the engaging members to extend outwardly to engage the wall of the bore. In one embodiment, the fixation device is releasably held by a forceps (14, 16) of the hand-held device. In another embodiment, the fixation device is releasably held by a coupling member (66) having a frangible connection (70) adapted to break upon experiencing a preset tensile stress.