Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a cranial flap (20) to a skull (10) includes an attachment device (40) having relatively movable first and second members (42 and 44). The first member (40) has first and second surfaces (56 and 58) for engaging first and second kerf edges (24 and 26), respectively, of a kerf (22). The second member (44) has third and fourth surfaces (120 and 122) for engaging the first and second kerf edges (24 and 26), respectively. A shaft (46) connects the first and second members (42 and 44). The shaft (46) is attached to the second member (44) and extends through an opening (114) in the first member (42).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for attaching a cranial flap (20) to a skull (10). The cranial flap (20) and the skull (10) are spaced apart by a kerf (22) defined by a first kerf edge (24) on the cranial flap and a second kerf edge (28) on the skull. The apparatus comprises at least one attachment device (30) made of a bioabsorbable polymeric material and having a head portion (40), a main body portion (32), and an end portion (50). The end portion (50) is deformable from an axially extending first condition to a radially extending second condition by heating the end portion and forming the end portion around the first kerf edge (24), which clamps the attachment device (30) to the cranial flap (20). The main body portion (32) includes a first surface portion (36) that attaches to the first kerf edge (24) and a second surface portion (38) that attaches to the second kerf edge (28).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for attaching to bone comprises a one-piece, homogeneous screw (12) engageable by a driver for driving the screw into bone. The screw (12) has a shaft portion (20) and a head portion (40) extending from the shaft portion. The shaft portion (20) has an outer surface (26) with a thread convolution (28). The head portion (40) includes oppositely disposed first and second axial ends (42 and 44) and a peripheral surface (50) extending between the ends. The first axial end (42) adjoins the shaft portion (20). The second axial end (44) includes an end surface (46). The head portion (40) has a plurality of slots (60) extending axially from the end surface (46) to the first axial end (42). The slots (60) further extend through the peripheral surface (50) of the head portion (40) and radially inward from the peripheral surface of the head portion. In accordance with another feature, the apparatus (10) further comprises a screwdriver (14) for driving the screw (12) into bone (130).