Method for implanting a flowable fastener

1. A method for securing an implant in the human body, the method comprising:

providing a fastener including a substantially smooth outer surface and at least one tapered end portion, at least a portion of the fastener including a polymeric material;

inserting the fastener in the body with the tapered end portion leading;

heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body; and

applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body,

wherein the application of heat and pressure to the fastener causes the fastener to shorten, to secure the fastener relative to tissue in the body.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the heat has a temperature above the temperature of the body and below the transition temperature for the polymeric material.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein applying pressure to the polymeric material includes applying pressure to the polymeric material in a direction along a central longitudinal axis of the fastener.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the pressure is applied with a force applicator.

5. The method of claim 2 further comprising measuring the pressure applied to the polymeric material.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein a transducer measures the pressure applied.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein a load cell measures the pressure applied.

8. The method of claim 5 further comprising providing an output indicative of the pressure applied to the polymeric material.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein a display unit shows the output.

10. The method of claim 2 further comprising activating an indicator to inform a surgeon when a predetermined amount of pressure has been applied for a predetermined amount of time.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the indicator is shown on a display unit.

12. The method of claim 2 wherein the polymeric material is biodegradable.

13. A method for securing an implant in the human body, the method comprising:

providing a fastener including a substantially smooth outer surface and at least a slotted portion, at least a portion of the fastener including a polymeric material;

providing a fastener anchor configured for receiving the fastener, at least a portion of the fastener anchor including a polymeric material;

positioning the anchor against tissue in the body;

inserting the fastener in the body with the slotted portion contacting at least a portion of the fastener anchor;

heating the polymeric material of at least one of the fastener and fastener anchor in the body; and

applying pressure to the heated polymeric material while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body,

wherein the application of heat and pressure causes the fastener to shorten to secure relative to tissue in the body.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the heat has a temperature above the temperature of the body and below the transition temperature for the polymeric material.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein applying pressure to the polymeric material includes applying pressure to the polymeric material in a direction along a central longitudinal axis of the implant.

16. The method of claim 14 further comprising measuring the pressure applied to the polymeric material.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising providing an output indicative of the pressure applied to the polymeric material.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein a display unit shows the output.

19. The method of claim 14 further comprising activating an indicator to inform a surgeon when a predetermined amount of pressure has been applied for a predetermined amount of time.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein the polymeric material is biodegradable.

21. A method for securing a fastener relative to body tissue, the method comprising:

providing a fastener including a body with a substantially smooth outer surface and a tapered shaped portion, the tapered shaped portion having a leading end and a trailing end, the fastener made of a polymeric material;

inserting the fastener in the body with the leading end of the tapered shaped portion preceding the trailing end;

heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body; and

applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body,

wherein shortening of the fastener with the heat and pressure secures the fastener relative to tissue in the body.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein applying pressure to the polymeric material includes applying axial pressure to the fastener.

23. The method of claim 21 further comprising measuring the pressure applied to the polymeric material.

24. A method for securing an implant in the human body, the method comprising:

providing a fastener including a substantially smooth outer surface and a longitudinal channel at least at an end portion of the fastener, at least a portion of the fastener including a polymeric material;

inserting the fastener in the body with the end portion leading;

heating the polymeric material of the fastener in the body; and

applying pressure to the polymeric material of the fastener while heating to cause the polymeric material to flow while in the body, and wherein shortening the fastener with the wherein the application of heat and pressure causes the

fastener to shorten to secure the fastener relative to tissue in the body.