Patent ID: 6017345
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A bone fixation plate assembly (10, 210, 210') for fixation of adjacent vertebrae of the spine comprising:a fixation plate (12, 212, 212') including first and second ends (14, 16) and at least one aperture (24, 24', 60) disposed at each of said first and second ends (14, 16) thereof;at least one bone screw (40); andlocking means (26) for allowing movement between the adjacent vertebrae while simultaneously maintaining engagement of said bone fixation plate (12) against the vertebrae, said locking means (26) including an insert (28, 28', 70) loosely retained within at least one of the apertures (24, 24', 60) for receiving and retaining the screw (40) therein, said insert comprising a threaded axial throughbore (33);wherein a threaded portion (54) of the screw is configured to engage the threaded axial throughbore (33) of the insert and provide a locked condition wherein the screw is prevented for moving relative to said insert and is in non-engagement with said plate, and wherein the screw (40) and insert (26) form an assembly which is loosely retained to the plate so as to allow movement of the assembly in all directions relative to said plate (12, 212, 212').