a method and apparatus are provided for attaching a cranial flap to a skull . the cranial flap and the skull are spaced apart by a kerf defined by a first kerf edge on the cranial flap and a second kerf edge on the skull . the apparatus comprises at least one attachment device made of a bioabsorbable polymeric material and having a head portion , a main body portion , and an end portion . the end portion is deformable from an axially extending first condition to a radially extending second condition by heating the end portion and forming the end portion around the first kerf edge , which clamps the attachment device to the cranial flap . the main body portion includes a first surface portion that attaches to the first kerf edge and a second surface portion that attaches to the second kerf edge . the attachment device is positionable in the kerf to secure the cranial flap to the skull by frictional engagement between the first surface portion against the first kerf edge and frictional engagement between the second surface portion against the second kerf edge .