Abstract: An orthopedic pin is used in a fixation device for treating fractures. The device has a body with holes to accept the pins. The pins have a layer of bioresorbable material thereon. Engagement between the pins and the body is initially through the bioresorbable material, which engagement rigidly fixes the relative angular orientation between the pins and the body when the device is applied to a bone. As the bioresorbable material is resorbed, the angular relation between the pins and the body is no longer rigidly fixed, thereby effecting a transformation from rigid osteosynthesis to flexible osteosynthesis to allow micromotion between the bone fragments which promotes healing.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation device for treating fractures has a body with holes to accept fasteners such as bone screws and pins. Either the fasteners, or the body, or both the fasteners and the body have a layer of bioresorbable material thereon. The bioresorbable material is on the shaft or head of the fasteners and when on the body surrounding one or more holes. Engagement between the fasteners and the body is initially through the bioresorbable material, which engagement rigidly fixes the relative angular orientation between the fastener and the body when the device is applied to a bone. As the bioresrobable material is resorbed the angular relation between the fastener and the body is no longer rigidly fixed, thereby effecting a transformation from rigid osteosysthesis to flexible osteosynthesis to allow micromotion between the bone fragments which promotes healing.