To change a spatial relationship between two or more bones in a patient's body,
a wedge member is moved into a joint between the bones. As the wedge member enters
the joint, pivotal movement occurs between the bones to change the orientation
of the bones relative to each other. The wedge member may have a circular cross
sectional configuration and be moved into the joint by rotating the wedge member
about an axis which extends between a thin leading edge portion and a thick trailing
edge portion of the wedge member. Alternatively, the wedge member may have a cam-shaped
configuration and be rotated through less than a revolution to apply force against
the bones. The wedge member may have a porous construction which enables bone to
grow through the wedge member and immobilize the joint. The wedge member may be
coated with and/or contain bone growth promoting material. The wedge member may
be connected to only one of the bones or may be connected to two adjacent bones.
If the wedge member is connected to only one bone, the joint may be capable of
being flexed after the wedge member is inserted into the joint.