Surgical fastener with predetermined resorption rate

1. A resorbable screw fastener, comprising:

a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the body portion having a helical thread formed thereon, the helical thread having a first diameter and the body portion having a second diameter; and

a head portion disposed at the proximal end of the body portion, the head portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to the first diameter of the helical thread, the head portion including a substantially flattened surface defined in an outermost diameter thereof, wherein the substantially flattened surface of the head portion is in radial registration with a substantially flattened surface formed in an outermost diameter of the helical thread,

wherein the substantially flattened surfaces of the head portion and the helical thread are disposed between the second diameter of the body portion and the first diameter of the helical thread without projecting into the body portion,

wherein the resorbable screw fastener has a shear strength of about 3.5 pounds to about 5.5 pounds during a period of time ranging from the time of implantation in vivo to about one week after implantation, a shear strength ranging from about 0.5 pounds to about 4.2 pounds during a period of time ranging from about one week to about 1.5 weeks after implantation, and a shear strength of about 0 pounds about one year after implantation.

2. A method of inserting a screw fastener, the method comprising:

providing a screw fastener, comprising:

a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end, the body portion having a helical thread formed thereon;

a head portion disposed at the proximal end of the body portion, the head portion including a substantially flattened surface formed in an outermost diameter thereof, wherein the substantially flattened surface of the head portion is in radial registration with a substantially flattened surface formed in an outermost diameter of the helical thread, wherein the substantially flattened surface formed in the outermost diameter of the helical thread projects partially radially inward from the outermost diameter of the helical thread and does not project into the body portion, the head portion including a driver receiving structure defining a slot formed in an outer radial side surface of the head portion, the driver receiving structure being configured for receiving both a linear and a rotational force;

tapping the target tissue with a pilot; and

installing the screw fastener by applying linear and rotational force on the head portion.

3. The method of claim 2 , including providing the body portion with a center shaft that is tapered from a narrow distal end to a larger proximal end.

4. The method of claim 2 , including providing the body portion with a distal end that is blunt.

5. The method of claim 2 , including providing the thread with a land that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

6. The method of claim 2 , including providing the thread with a diameter that is substantially enlarged.

7. The method of claim 2 , including providing the thread with a diameter that is about 3.8 mm.

8. The method of claim 2 , including providing the head portion with a height that is about 1.5 mm.

9. The method of claim 2 , including providing the body portion with a length that is about 5 mm.

10. The method of claim 2 , further including providing the body portion with a lumen that extends through an entire length thereof.

11. The method of claim 2 , including providing the body portion with a circular transverse cross sectional profile.