A hernia repair prosthesis comprises a segmented frame forming a closed loop where a first segment comprises a helical hollow tube and a second segment comprises a solid strand. Both segments are preferably a metal exhibiting shape memory properties and the two segments are assembled with end portions of the second segment inserted into the lumen at opposed end portions of the first segment with a clearance fit. At manufacture, a covering layer of a bio-absorbable polymer on the end portions of the second strand is sufficiently sized to create a temporary interference fit between the two segments to inhibit relative movement between them. The ability of the intercoupled segment to move relative to one another is restored upon degradation of the polymer due to exposure to body fluids following implantation of the prostheses. A prosthetic fabric is attached to the segmented frame.
