An orthopedic implant comprising a deformable, expandable implant body
configured for treating abnormalities in bones, such as compression
fractures of vertebra, necrosis of femurs and the like. An exemplary
implant body comprises a small cross-section threaded element that is
introduced into a bone region and thereafter is expanded into a larger
cross-section, monolithic assembly to provide a bone support. In one
embodiment, the implant body is at least partly fabricated of a magnesium
alloy that is biodegradable to allow for later tissue ingrowth.