Patent ID: 8287575
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A polyaxial locking mechanism for locking a fixation mechanism with respect to a bone plate comprising: a body disposed within an aperture formed in the bone plate, the body including: a central opening for receiving the fixation mechanism, the central opening having an uppermost portion and a lowermost portion; a slot formed through the body and into the central opening; two peaks separated by a valley for use in engagement with a driver for rotating the body, the valley having an upper dimension and a lower dimension extending across the valley, the upper dimension being smaller than the lower dimension for securing the driver within the valley; a radially inwardly extending circumferential wall; and a circular interior groove formed on an interior surface of the body, wherein the interior groove engages a portion formed on the fixation mechanism and the radially inwardly extending circumferential wall prevents the fixation mechanism from being pushed through the lowermost portion of the central opening, and wherein in a loosened position the body is capable of polyaxial movement with respect to the bone plate, and upon rotation of the body to a tightened position the body, the fixation mechanism, and the bone plate are fixed with respect to one another.