Joint fusion implant and methods

A method for compressing a joint between a first bone portion and a second bone portion, wherein a cavity is located within the joint between the first bone portion and the second bone portion, the method comprising:

• positioning an implant proximate the joint, the implant comprising a screw member having a screw head and a screw body projecting distally from the screw head along a longitudinal axis to a screw distal end, the screw body comprising a non-threaded lag zone and a threaded engagement zone;
• and a washer member having a proximal side and a distal side, wherein the screw head is received in the washer member;
• wherein the implant further comprises a fusion zone having a length which is measured from the distal side of the washer member to a proximal end of the screw engagement zone, wherein the length of the implant fusion zone ranges from about 10 mm to about 37 mm;
• inserting the screw body engagement zone through the first bone portion and into the cavity;
• engaging the screw body engagement zone with the second bone portion;
• positioning at least a portion of the lag zone within the cavity;
• rotating the screw member to compress the joint;
• and
• angling the washer member with respect to the screw member to permit maximum surface contact of the distal side of the washer member with the first bone portion.