Abstract:
A dynamic spine plate is formed with only a single row of bone screw bores that extend along a generally superior/inferior axis of the spine plate, providing a single-sided dynamic spine plate. The single-sided dynamic spine plate is formed from a plurality of spine plate components that are coupled dynamically to one another. This provides a modular, single-sided dynamic spine plate. The spine plate components are coupled dynamically to one another via socket and projection interfaces, the socket and projections interfaces incorporating resilient coupling and retention structures that allow limited movement of the spine plate components relative to one another. This provides for dynamic extension of the spine plate components relative to one another. The resilient coupling structure connects the spine plate components, providing a self-biased, snap fit coupling of spine plate components. Rotation stabilizers may be provide on the present single-sided dynamic spine plate that provide rotational stability to the spine plate in addition to the bone screws that will attach the spine plate to the vertebrae.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/092,836 filed Aug. 29, 2008, entitled “Single Sided Dynamic Spine Plate” the entire contents of which is specifically incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to devices for the internal fixation of the spine particularly within the fields of orthopedics and/or neurosurgery such as spinal implants for holding vertebral bones fixed relative to one another and, more particularly, to dynamic bone fixation implants for use in spinal surgical procedures for stabilizing the relative motion of vertebrae by temporarily or permanently immobilizing vertebrae of the spine. 
     2. Background Information 
     Spine plates have been used for many years to increase spine stability following single and multi-level spine surgery. Particularly, spine plates implanted during surgery for reasons such as disease, trauma, defect, accident or the like, are used to stabilize one or more spinal vertebrae. Stabilization leads to a proper healing or a desired outcome. 
     In some instances, it is desirous to cause the fusion of two adjacent vertebrae. If this is the case, the surgeon makes an incision to reach the spine. Tissues and muscles are retracted (spread apart) to reveal the proper level in the spine. The cartilaginous material or disc between the two vertebrae is removed and the bone surface abraded to encourage a bleeding surface. Blood from the bleeding surfaces is desired in order for the bones to fuse. The space between the adjacent vertebrae is filled with bone graft. 
     The spine plate is mounted to two or more vertebrae during the surgery. It is important during the mounting process that the spine plate be properly aligned on the vertebrae for receipt of the mounting screws. The spine plate must be fastened onto the vertebra via bone screws. This stabilizes the vertebrae in order to facilitate fusion and healing between the stabilized vertebrae. The bone screws are received in bores of the spine plate and hold the spine plate to the vertebra. 
     Such prior art spine plates, however, are configured to cover a large portion of the vertebral face and particularly of the anterior face of the vertebrae. They include at least two pairs of bone screws to be mounted to a vertebra, i.e. two bone screws in each vertebra and thus may be considered a double-sided spine plate (i.e. side-by-side spine plate) having a large width to accommodate the two pairs of bone screws. As such, these prior art spine plates cannot accommodate stabilization situations wherein it is desired to provide a spine plate on lateral sides of the vertebrae or in other situations where a smaller width spine plate is appropriate. There are instances where a spine plate of less width would be more appropriate and/or a spine plate fashioned for connection to other areas of the vertebrae. 
     In view of the above, it would thus be desirable to have a smaller width spine plate that is configured for attachment to various areas of a vertebra. 
     In view of the above, it would thus be desirable to have a dynamic spine plate that is configured for attachment to various areas of a vertebra. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A dynamic spine plate for vertebral stabilization is formed with a single row of fastening elements (e.g. bone screw bores) extending along a generally superior/inferior axis, providing a single-sided dynamic spine plate. The present single-sided dynamic spine plate is formed from a plurality of spine plate components that are coupled dynamically to one another. This provides a modular, single-sided dynamic spine plate. 
     In one form, the present single-sided dynamic spine plate utilizes a spine plate middle component and two spine plate end components. The spine plate end components are dynamic (i.e. they move) relative to the spine plate middle component. 
     In another form, the present single-sided dynamic spine plate utilizes a plurality of spine plate middle components and two spine plate end components to form a multi-level (n-level) single-sided dynamic spine plate. 
     In another form, a single-sided dynamic spine plate of a single level is achieved by utilizing two end components. 
     The spine plate components are coupled dynamically to one another via socket and projection interfaces. This allows for dynamic extension of two spine plate components relative to one another from the three or more spine plate components. The socket and projection interfaces incorporate a resilient coupling mechanism for connecting the spine plate components, providing a self-biased, snap fit coupling of spine plate components. 
     The present single-sided dynamic spine plate may be formed with a curve, bend or angle that mimics the curvature of the spine/vertebrae to which the present single-sided dynamic spine plate will be attached. 
     Rotation stabilizers may be provide on the present single-sided dynamic spine plate that provide rotational stability to the spine plate in addition to the bone screws that will attach the spine plate to the vertebrae. In one form, the rotation stabilizers comprise first and second protrusions on the dorsal end of the spine plate on the posterior side thereof. The protrusions can be spikes or be of other cross-sectional shapes (e.g. waffle patterns) that are oriented about or around the bone screw hole(s) of the plate. Other configurations of rotation stabilizers may be used. As well, rotation stabilizers may be used elsewhere along the present spine plate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a single-sided dynamic spine plate fashioned in accordance with the present principles, the single-sided dynamic spine plate shown in an unexpanded, non-extended or closed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 1  taken from the rear side of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the single-sided dynamic plate of  FIG. 1  taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 1  shown in an expanded, extended or open position; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the single-sided dynamic plate of  FIG. 4  taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a middle spine plate component and end spine plate component of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 1  shown in exploded view particularly illustrating the manner of connection between the middle spine plate component and the end spine plate component; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of three vertebrae of a spine on which the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 1  is attached; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a single-sided dynamic spine plate fashioned in accordance with the present principles, the single-sided dynamic spine plate shown in an unexpanded, non-extended or closed position; 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view of the single-sided dynamic plate of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 9  taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 9  shown in an expanded, extended or open position; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is sectional view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 13  taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of two components of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 9  shown in an expanded, extended or open position; 
         FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view of the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 17  taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 18 ; and 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of three vertebrae of a spine on which the single-sided dynamic spine plate of  FIG. 9  is attached. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
     A description of the features, functions and/or configuration of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the figures and particularly to  FIGS. 1-7 , there is depicted an embodiment of a single sided dynamic spine plate generally designated  10 . The single sided dynamic spine plate  10  is formed of a suitable biocompatible material (“biomaterial”) such as, for example, titanium, stainless steel, an alloy or the like. The single sided dynamic spine plate  10  (spine plate  10 ) is characterized by a multi-component body  12  fashioned as an elongated rectangle. The spine plate  10  is shown as a two level (2-L) spine plate but may be fashioned as a single level (1-L) to a multi-level or n-level (n-L) spine plate in accordance with the present principles. 
     The body  12  is formed from a plurality of components and, in the embodiment shown in the figures, is formed of three components; a middle component, portion or section  14 , a first end component, portion or section  16 , and a second end component, portion or section  18 . The body  12  defines a height or profile “H” (see, e.g.  FIG. 2 ). As explained further below, the present spine plate  10  is dynamic in that it allows limited superior/inferior (axial) movement. In particular, the first and second end components  16 ,  18  are limitedly moveable relative to the middle component  14  (and/or the middle component  14  is movable relative to the first and second end components  16 ,  18 . The spine plate  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , however, is shown in a closed, un-extended or un-expanded position, wherein the first and second end components  16 ,  18  are abuttingly adjacent the middle component  14 . In  FIGS. 4-6  (discussed in detail below) the spine plate  10  is shown in an open, extended or expanded position wherein the first and second end components  16 ,  18  are a distance from the middle component  14 . It should be appreciated that the open position shown in  FIGS. 4-6  is only one open position of a possible plurality of open positions for the spine plate  10  (i.e. distances between the end components  16 ,  18  and the middle component  14 ). Ideally, end components  16  and  18  are identical or constitute the same piece. In this manner, two end components  16 ,  18  can be joined to provide a single level (1-L) spine plate (not shown in the figures) and connecting in the manner described herein with respect to the middle component  14 . 
     The middle component  14  is generally formed as an elongated rectangle that defines an outer, upper or anterior face or surface  20  and an inner, lower or posterior face or surface  21  wherein the surface  21  is configured to abut the outer surface of a vertebra. A bone screw bore  22  is formed in the middle component  14  for receipt of a bone screw (see, e.g.  FIG. 8 ). The bone screw bore  22  may be configured to receive and lock a bone screw therein at a particular angle relative to the bone screw bore  22  and thus the spine plate  10 . The middle component  14  includes a socket  19  on one end thereof and a flange  24  on another end thereof (see, e.g.  FIGS. 3-7 ). Referring particularly to  FIG. 7 , the flange  24  includes a retention structure/mechanism formed as a resilient clip  25  on the end thereof, the clip  25  extending from a clip cavity  31  defined in the flange  24 . The clip  25  is resiliently bendable such that it cooperates with a cutout to provide a snap fit/retention to an end component and/or another middle component should a multi-level dynamic single sided spine plate be desired. The socket  19  is sized to accommodate a flange  29  of the end component  18 , the flange  29  being in like configuration to the flange  24  of the middle component  14  (and discussed further below). Moreover, the middle component  14  includes a cutout or slot  23  that is in communication with the cavity  19 . The cutout  23  is sized to receive and retain a clip of a flange (e.g. clip  30  of flange  29  of the end component  18 ). The cutout  23  is sized in length to allow the flange to limitedly, axially move within the cutout  23  to allow the end component  18  to limitedly axially move relative to the middle component  14 . The clip  30  is retained in the cutout  23  because of the resiliency of the clip  30  causing outward biasing thereof. 
     The end component  16  is generally formed as an elongated rectangle with one rounded end that defines an outer, upper or anterior face or surface  26  and an inner, lower or posterior face or surface  27  wherein the surface  27  is configured to abut the outer surface of a vertebra. A bone screw bore  28  is formed in or proximate to the rounded end of the end component  16  for receipt of a bone screw (see, e.g.  FIG. 8 ). The bone screw bore  28  may be configured to receive and lock a bone screw therein at a particular angle relative to the bone screw bore  28  and thus the spine plate  10 . The end component  16  includes a socket  36  on an end thereof (see, e.g.  FIGS. 3-7 ) that is sized to receive a flange such as flange  24  of the middle component  14 . The socket  36  is sized to accommodate the flange  24  of the middle component  14 . The end component  16  includes a cutout or slot  35  that is in communication with the cavity  36 . The cutout  35  is sized to receive and retain the clip of a flange (e.g. clip  25  of flange  24  of the middle component  14 ). The cutout  35  is sized in length to allow the flange  24  to limitedly, axially move within the cutout  35  to allow the end component  16  to limitedly axially move relative to the middle component  14 . The clip  25  is retained in the cutout  35  because of the resiliency of the clip  25  causing outward biasing thereof. 
     The end component  18  is generally formed as an elongated rectangle with one rounded end that defines an outer, upper or anterior face or surface  32  and an inner, lower or posterior face or surface  33  wherein the surface  33  is configured to abut the outer surface of a vertebra. A bone screw bore  34  is formed in or proximate to the end component  18  for receipt of a bone screw (see, e.g.  FIG. 8 ). The bone screw bore  34  may be configured to receive and lock a bone screw therein at a particular angle relative to the bone screw bore  34  and thus the spine plate  10 . The end component  18  includes a flange  29  on an end thereof (see, e.g.  FIGS. 3-7 ) that is sized to be received in a socket (e.g. the socket  19  of the middle component  14 ). The flange  29  includes a resilient clip  30  on the end thereof, the clip  30  extending from a clip cavity (not seen in the figures) defined in the flange  30  in like manner to the clip/clip cavity  25 ,  32  of the middle component  14 . The clip  30  is resiliently bendable such that it cooperates with a cutout to provide a snap fit/retention to an end component and/or another middle component should a multi-level dynamic single sided spine plate be desired. The clip  30  of the end component  18  is received and retained in the cutout  23  of the middle component  14 . The cutout  23  is sized in length to allow the flange  29  to limitedly, axially move within the cutout  23  to allow the end component  18  to limitedly axially move relative to the middle component  14 . The clip  30  is retained in the cutout  23  because of the resiliency of the clip  30  causing outward biasing thereof. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 2-3  and  5 - 6 , the spine plate  10  has rotation stabilizers that provide rotational stability to the spine plate  10  in addition to the bone screws that fasten the spine plate  10  to the vertebrae. While not shown, the other spine plate components may include rotation stabilizers about or proximate to one or all (any) bone screw holes. The spine plate  10  has first and second protrusions as rotation stabilizers, embodied as spikes  37 ,  38  on the dorsal end of the spine plate  10  and particularly the end component  16 . The configuration of the rotational stabilizers may be different than spikes and encompass various cross-sectional patterns and/or shapes. The rotation stabilizers may be adjacent a screw hole and have a slightly different cross-section. 
     The spine plate  10  is curved as seen in  FIG. 2  and represented by the double-headed, curved arrow. The curvature mimics the curvature of the spine/vertebrae to which the spine plate  10  will be attached. 
       FIGS. 4-6  depict the dynamic single sided spine plate  10  in an extended position. The extended position allows the axial or superior/inferior length of the spine plate  10  to be adjustable for implantation/fixation thereof and/or for allowing limited compression/extension of the vertebrae coupled by the spine plate  10  (i.e. superior/inferior movement). The double-headed arrows in  FIG. 4  represent the individual ability of each one of the first and second end components  16 ,  18  to be adjustable/adjusted relative to the middle component  14  (and/or vice versa). 
       FIG. 8  depicts a portion of a spine and in particular three vertebrae labeled V 1 , V 2  and V 3  with the disc or disc space (with or without an implant) between adjacent vertebrae as D 1  and D 2 . The vertebrae V 1 , V 2 , V 3  may be any vertebrae of the spine such as the cervical, thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. Additionally, the number of vertebrae connected by the present spine plate  10  may be more or less than shown. It that regard, the appropriate level of spine plate is used. The single sided dynamic spine plate  10  is shown attached to a side (i.e. a single side) of the three vertebrae V 1 , V 2 , V 3 . It should be appreciated that placement of the spine plate  10  on the vertebrae V 1 , V 2 , V 3  is exemplary, as various factors influence/determine proper placement. 
     Referring now to figures and particularly to  FIGS. 9-20 , there is depicted another embodiment of a single-sided dynamic spine plate generally designated  60 . The single-sided dynamic spine plate  60  is formed of a suitable biocompatible material (“biomaterial”) such as, for example, titanium, stainless steel, an alloy or the like. The single-sided dynamic spine plate  60  (spine plate  60 ) is characterized by a multi-component body  62  fashioned as an elongated rectangle. The spine plate  60  is shown as a two level (2-L) spine plate but may be fashioned as a single level (1-L) to a multi-level or n-level (n-L) spine plate in accordance with the present principles. 
     The body  62  is formed from a plurality of components and, in the embodiment shown in the figures, is formed of three components; a middle component, portion or section  64 , a first end component, portion or section  66 , and a second end component, portion or section  68 . The body  62  defines a height or profile in like manner to the spine plate  10  of  FIGS. 1-7  as shown in  FIG. 2 . As explained further below, the present spine plate  60  is dynamic in that it allows limited superior/inferior (axial) movement. In particular, the first and second end components  66 ,  68  are limitedly moveable relative to the middle component  64  (and/or the middle component  64  is movable relative to the first and second end components  66 ,  68 . The spine plate  60  shown in  FIGS. 9-12 , however, is shown in a closed, un-extended or un-expanded position, wherein the first and second end components  66 ,  68  are abuttingly adjacent the middle component  64 . In  FIGS. 13-16  (discussed in detail below) the spine plate  60  is shown in an open, extended or expanded position wherein the first and second end components  66 ,  68  are a distance from the middle component  64 . It should be appreciated that the open position shown in  FIGS. 13-16  is only one open position of a possible plurality of open positions for the spine plate  60  (i.e. distances between the end components  66 ,  68  and the middle component  64 ). While the end components  66  and  68  are not identical or constitute the same piece, they may be interchangeable. 
     The middle component  64  is generally formed as an elongated rectangle that defines an outer, upper or anterior face or surface  70  and an inner, lower or posterior face or surface  71  wherein the surface  71  is configured to abut the outer surface of a vertebra. A bone screw bore  72  is formed in the middle component  64  for receipt of a bone screw. An annular depression  73  is formed about the bone screw bore  72 . The bone screw bore  72  may be configured to receive and lock a bone screw therein at a particular angle relative to the bone screw bore  72  and thus the spine plate  60 . A channel  74  is formed on one side of the annular depression  73 . The channel  74  provides access for a tool to reach a head of a bone screw situated in the bone screw bore  72 . A first notch  76  is provided on a first lateral side of the middle component  64  adjacent the bone screw bore  72 , while a second notch  77  is disposed on a second lateral side of the middle component  64  adjacent the bone screw bore  72 . 
     The middle component  64  includes a flange  80  on one end thereof and a socket  82  on another end thereof (see, e.g.  FIG. 12 ). Referring particularly to  FIG. 17 , the flange  80  includes a retention structure/mechanism formed as a first resilient clip  118  on the end thereof and a second resilient clip  120  on the end thereof. The first resilient clip  118  extends from a first clip cavity  119  defined in end of the flange  80  while the second resilient clip  120  extends from a second clip cavity  121 . The first and second resilient clips  118 ,  120  are resiliently bendable such that each cooperates with a cutout, slot or opening (e.g. first and second cutouts  114 ,  115  of end component  68  that are in communication with the socket  110  thereof—see  FIG. 11 ) to provide a snap fit/retention of the middle component  64  to the end component  68 . The clips  118 ,  119  are limitedly movable within the cutouts  114 ,  115  of the end component  68  to provide limited axial movement between the middle and end components  64 ,  68  (i.e. the two components are dynamic). 
     The socket  82  is sized to accommodate a flange  96  of the end component  66 , the flange  96  being in like configuration to the flange  80  of the middle component  64 . Moreover, the middle component  64  includes first and second cutouts, slots or openings  122 ,  123  that are in communication with the socket or cavity  82 . The cutouts  122 ,  123  each are sized to receive and retain a respective first and second clip  126 ,  127  of the flange  96  of the end component  66 . The cutouts  122 ,  123  are sized in length to allow the clips  126 ,  127  to limitedly, axially move within the cutouts  122 , 123  to allow the flange  96  and thus the end component  66  to limitedly, axially move relative to the middle component  64 . The clips  126 ,  127  are retained in the cutouts  122 ,  123  because of the resiliency of the clips  126 ,  127  causing outward biasing thereof. 
     The end component  66  is generally formed as an elongated rectangle with one rounded end that defines an outer, upper or anterior face or surface  86  and an inner, lower or posterior face or surface  87  wherein the surface  87  is configured to abut the outer surface of a vertebra. A bone screw bore  88  is formed in the end component  66  for receipt of a bone screw. An annular depression  89  is formed about the bone screw bore  88 . The bone screw bore  72  may be configured to receive and lock a bone screw therein at a particular angle relative to the bone screw bore  88  and thus the spine plate  60 . A channel  90  is formed on one side of the annular depression  89 . The channel  90  provides access for a tool to reach a head of a bone screw situated in the bone screw bore  88 . A first notch  92  is provided on a first lateral side of the end component  66  adjacent the bone screw bore  88 , while a second notch  93  is disposed on a second lateral side of the end component  64  adjacent the bone screw bore  72 . The bone screw bore  88  may be configured to receive and lock a bone screw therein at a particular angle relative to the bone screw bore  88  and thus the spine plate  60 . 
     The end component  66  includes a flange  96  on an end thereof (see, e.g.  FIGS. 3-7 ) that is sized to be received in the socket  82  of the middle component  64 . The flange  96  of the end component  66  includes a retention structure/mechanism formed as a first resilient clip  126  on the end thereof and a second resilient clip  127  on the end thereof. The first resilient clip  126  extends from a first clip cavity (not seen) defined in end of the flange  80  while the second resilient clip  127  extends from a second clip cavity (not seen). The first and second resilient clips  126 ,  127  are resiliently bendable such that each cooperates with the first and second cutouts  122 ,  123  of the middle component  64  that are in communication with the socket  82  thereof—see  FIG. 11 ) to provide a snap fit/retention of the middle component  64  to the end component  66 . The clips  122 ,  123  are limitedly movable within the cutouts  122 ,  123  of the middle component  64  to provide limited axial movement between the middle and end components  64 ,  66  (i.e. the two components are dynamic). This movement defines a fully open or expanded position, a fully closed or unexpanded position, and positions intermediate the fully open and fully closed positions. 
     The end component  68  is generally formed as an elongated rectangle with one rounded end that defines an outer, upper or anterior face or surface  100  and an inner, lower or posterior face or surface  101  wherein the surface  101  is configured to abut the outer surface of a vertebra. A bone screw bore  102  is formed in the end component  68  for receipt of a bone screw. An annular depression  103  is formed about the bone screw bore  102 . The bone screw bore  102  may be configured to receive and lock a bone screw therein at a particular angle relative to the bone screw bore  102  and thus the spine plate  60 . A channel  103  is formed on one side of the annular depression  103 . The channel  103  provides access for a tool to reach a head of a bone screw situated in the bone screw bore  102 . A first notch  106  is provided on a first lateral side of the end component  68  adjacent the bone screw bore  102 , while a second notch  107  is disposed on a second lateral side of the end component  68  adjacent the bone screw bore  102 . The bone screw bore  102  may be configured to receive and lock a bone screw therein at a particular angle relative to the bone screw bore  102  and thus the spine plate  60 . 
     The end component  68  includes a socket  110  on an end thereof (see  FIG. 12 ) that is sized to receive a component flange (e.g. the flange  80  of the middle component  64 ). The socket  110  includes first and second cutouts, slots or openings  114 ,  115  that are in communication with the socket or cavity  110 . The cutouts  114 ,  115  each are sized to receive and retain a respective first and second clip  118 ,  119  of the flange  80  of the middle component  64 . The cutouts  114 ,  115  are sized in length to allow the clips  118 ,  119  to limitedly, axially move within the cutouts  114 , 115  to allow the flange  80  and thus the end component  68  to limitedly, axially move relative to the middle component  64 . The clips  118 ,  119  are retained in the cutouts  114 ,  115  because of the resiliency of the clips  118 ,  119  causing outward biasing thereof. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 11-12  and  15 - 16 , the spine plate  60  has rotation stabilizers that provide rotational stability to the spine plate  60  in addition to the bone screws that fasten the spine plate  60  to the vertebrae. The rotation stabilizers are situated on the undersides  71 ,  87  and  101  of the spine components  64 ,  66  and  68 , and particularly about the bone screw bores  72 ,  88  and  102  of the spine components  64 ,  66  and  68 . The rotation stabilizers are formed as angled, rectangular protrusions. Stabilizers  78  are situated about the bone screw bore  72  of the middle component  64  (see, e.g.  FIG. 11 ), stabilizers  94  are situated about the bone screw bore  88  of the end component  66  (see, e.g.  FIG. 11 , and stabilizers  108  are situated about the bone screw bore  102  of the end component  68 . Unlike the spine plate  10 , the spine plate  60  is not curved. However, spine plate  60  may be curved if desired. Such The curvature would mimic the curvature of the spine/vertebrae to which the spine plate  60  would be attached. 
       FIGS. 13-16  depict the dynamic single sided spine plate  60  in an extended or open position. The extended position allows the axial or superior/inferior length of the spine plate  60  to be adjustable for implantation/fixation thereof and/or for allowing limited compression/extension of the vertebrae coupled by the spine plate  60  (i.e. superior/inferior movement). As can be discerned by referencing and comparing  FIGS. 11 and 15 , the end components  66  and  68  are dynamic or movable relative to the middle component  64  (and/or vice versa). Particularly, the first and second clips  126 ,  127  of the end component  66  are movable but constrained within the first and second slots  122 ,  123  of the socket  82  of the middle component  64 . Thus, the end component  66  can move relative to the middle component  64  (or vice versa) the length of the movement of the first and second clips  126 ,  127  in the first and second slots  122 ,  123 . The first and second clips  118 ,  119  of the middle component  64  are movable but constrained within the first and second slots  120 ,  121  of the socket  110  of the end component  66 . Thus, the end component  66  can move relative to the middle component  64  (and vice versa) the length of the movement of the first and second clips  126 ,  127  in the first and second slots  122 ,  123 .  FIGS. 9-12  show the spine plate  60  in a fully closed position with both of the end components  66 ,  68   
       FIGS. 17-20  depict the middle component  64  and the end component  66  of the spine plate  60 . These views provide detail of the clips of the flanges of the plate components. The end component  66  is shown in a fully expanded position relative to the middle component  64 . The underside of the flange  80  of the middle component  64  is depicted that particularly shows the resilient clip  118  situated within the cavity  120  and the resilient clip  119  situated within the cavity  121 . It should be appreciated that more than two clips and cutouts may be used. 
       FIG. 21  depicts a portion of a spine and in particular three vertebrae labeled V 1 , V 2  and V 3  with the disc or disc space (with or without an implant) between adjacent vertebrae as D 1  and D 2 . The vertebrae V 1 , V 2 , V 3  may be any vertebrae of the spine such as the cervical, thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. Additionally, the number of vertebrae connected by the present spine plate  10  may be more or less than shown. It that regard, the appropriate level of spine plate is used. The single sided dynamic spine plate  60  is shown attached to a side (i.e. a single side) of the three vertebrae V 1 , V 2 , V 3 . It should be appreciated that placement of the spine plate  60  on the vertebrae V 1 , V 2 , V 3  is exemplary, as various factors influence/determine proper placement. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.