Patent ID: 7963981
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for fixing a plate to bony material, comprising: a plate having a unitary body with at least one opening having a spherical curvature extending at least partially through the thickness of the plate; and at least one fastener having a head that interferes with an interference point of the plate; wherein the head is capable of engaging with and passing the interference point to communicate with the spherical curvature, wherein the interference point is a portion of the unitary body of the plate and conforms to the spherical curvature of the at least one opening and located at an upper portion of the at least one opening, wherein the interference point includes a plurality of relief areas and a plurality of engagement areas, and wherein the fastener head comprises a partially spherical outer surface corresponding approximately to the spherical surface of the plate opening, at least one slit located on the fastener head to permit outward expansion of the fastener head, and a locking screw capable of being received in a receptacle formed in the fastener head.