Osteosynthetic shape memory material intramedullary bone stent and method for treating a bone fracture using the same

A method for providing stabilization and compression across a dividing line between two bone segments, the method comprising:

• providing an intramedullary prosthesis sized for insertion into the intramedullary canal of a bone, the intramedullary prosthesis consisting of a metallic mesh structure having a round elongated mesh body having an axial bore formed therein, and at least two barbs projecting from the round elongated mesh body;
• positioning the intramedullary prosthesis within the intramedullary canal of the bone so that the round elongated mesh body spans the dividing line, with at least one of the at least two barbs being disposed on one side of the dividing line and at least one of the at least two barbs being disposed on the other side of the dividing line;
• and
• radially expanding and longitudinally contracting the round elongated mesh body so that the at least two barbs grip the side wall of the intramedullary canal on either side of the dividing line and pull the bone segments on either side of the dividing line together, whereby to provide stabilization and compression across the dividing line.