Patent ID: 7104991
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for stabilizing a first bone segment within a bone column relative to a second bone segment in the bone column, the stabilizing system comprising: a plurality of bone screws, each having a head portion at a first end thereof and a threaded shank portion at a second end thereof, with an unthreaded shank portion therebetween; and a rigidizing plate, with a plurality of tapered holes corresponding to the plurality of bone screws, each hole being sized and configured for making a locking fit with a first portion of the unthreaded shank portion of the bone screw received therein, the plate sized to position at least two holes for screw placement therethrough into the first bone segment and at least two holes for screw placement therethrough into the second bone segment; wherein a second portion of the unthreaded shank portion passes through the plate hole and extends into the bone segment when the threaded shank portion is engaged into the bone segment.