Patent ID: 8591556
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spinal assembly comprising: a bone screw having a head portion and a shaft; a plate having an aperture for receiving the bone screw, wherein the bone screw is capable of being in an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration within the plate; and a locking confirmation mechanism operably attached to the plate, wherein the locking confirmation mechanism comprises a toggling arm having an upper portion, a mid-portion and a lower portion, wherein an uppermost surface of the locking confirmation mechanism as defined in the locked configuration along a longitudinal axis of the aperture is positioned above an uppermost portion of the plate when the bone screw is in the unlocked configuration and below the uppermost portion of the plate when the bone screw is in the locked configuration, wherein the locking confirmation mechanism is configured to fit in a slot in the plate, wherein when the bone screw is in the unlocked configuration, the locking confirmation mechanism obstructs a space formed in the slot, wherein the locking confirmation mechanism pivots by contact of the head portion of the bone screw with a lower portion of the locking confirmation mechanism, thereby exposing the space formed in the slot when the bone screw is in the locked configuration.