Methods for utilizing vibratory energy to weld, stake and/or remove implants

A method for stabilizing an object implanted within the body, the object coated over at least a portion of its exterior surface with a polymer material, the method comprising:

• inserting an elongate fastener, having a proximal fastener end and a distal fastener end, through body tissue to contact the coated object with the distal fastener end;
• contacting the proximal fastener end with a vibratory horn, the horn connected to a source of vibratory energy, the horn operative to transfer vibratory energy to the fastener,
• wherein contact between the horn and the proximal fastener end is sufficiently firm to prevent generation of sufficient heat to substantially soften the proximal fastener end as a result of vibration between the proximal fastener end and the horn, and
• wherein vibratory energy is transmitted through the fastener to cause vibration at the distal end of the fastener sufficient to produce heat between the distal fastener end and the coated object, the produced heat sufficient to soften the polymer material of the coated object, thereby bonding the fastener to the coated object after vibratory energy is discontinued and the polymer material cools and hardens;
• wherein a connection is formed between the elongated fastener and the coated object.