Bone stabilization device and method

A method for inserting a bone stabilization device into the intramedullary canal of a bone, the bone stabilization device including an elongated body configured for insertion into the intramedullary canal of a bone, the body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, the body including a polymer with a deformation temperature greater than 37 degrees Celsius, wherein the polymer is relatively deformable at a temperature above the deformation temperature and relatively rigid at a temperature below the deformation temperature, the device, while the polymer is at a temperature above the deformation temperature, being responsive to a bending force to bend during insertion into the intramedullary canal of the bone, and the device, while the polymer is at a temperature below the deformation temperature, being relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone sufficient to promote healing of the fractured bone, the method comprising:

• raising the temperature of the polymer above the deformation temperature so that the polymer is relatively deformable;
• after raising the temperature of the polymer above the deformation temperature, inserting the bone stabilization device into the intramedullary canal of the bone;
• and
• after inserting the bone stabilization device into the intramedullary canal of the bone, lowering the temperature of the polymer below the deformation temperature so that the polymer is relatively rigid and able to provide reinforcement to the bone.