US Patent 9179956 Orthopedic fixation pin with bioresorbable layer

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.