Patent ID: 7963982
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A plate system comprising: a screw having a screw head; a plate having an aperture for receiving said screw; and said screw comprising at least one member for restricting or preventing said screw from moving in at least one of an axial direction or a rotational direction; wherein said at least one member comprises an elastic or resilient pawl having an end that is integral with said screw head and a generally arcuate or curved portion; wherein said plate comprises a wall that defines said aperture, said wall being adapted to define at least one receiving area for receiving at least a portion of said pawl and for restricting or preventing said screw from moving in at least one of said axial direction or said rotational direction wherein said at least one member is normally biased away from an axis of said screw; wherein said pawl comprises a beveled or angled surface; wherein said beveled or angled surface tapers inwardly towards said axis as said beveled or angled surface extends from said screw head towards a threaded portion of said screw; and wherein said beveled or angled surface deflects inwardly toward said axis as said screw is screwed into bone or after said screw is received in said aperture.