Patent ID: 8523917

Claim:
A method for anterior stabilizing of the cervical region of the vertebral column, the method comprising: attaching an elongate plate to a first vertebra, the elongate plate comprising two parallel elongate channels defining a first elongate channel and a second elongate channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end; attaching the elongate plate to a second vertebra using a first cross-linking element, the first cross-linking element positioned on the surface of the plate, wherein the first cross-linking element can move relative to the plate via the first and second elongate channels; attaching a first spacer element to the plate, the first spacer element limiting movement of the first cross-linking element relative to the plate, the spacer element does not move relative to the plate, wherein the first spacer element having apertures aligned with the first and second channels when the first spacer is placed on the anterior side of the plate; and fasteners passing through the apertures and engaging the first and second channels; attaching a second cross-linking element to a third vertebra, the second cross-linking element positioned on the surface of the plate, wherein the second cross-linking element can move relative to the plate via the first and second elongate channels, wherein attaching the plate further comprises orienting the plate such that two parallel elongate channels defined within the plate are oriented substantially parallel to the vertebral column, wherein attaching the first cross-linking element to the second vertebra further comprises passing fastening elements through the channels defined within the plate, wherein the first cross-linking element can move parallel to the channels but substantially cannot move perpendicular to the channels upon attachment.