Patent ID: 8556944

Claim:
A spinal compression implant comprising: a plate attachable to a first vertebra, the plate having an outer side and a bone apposition side; a slot formed in the plate, the slot having a generally oval, elongated shape defining first and second ends and lateral sides, the slot further including a ramp disposed at the first end and extending along the lateral sides; a lip monolithically formed as a part of the plate, the lip being disposed at the second end of the slot and extending over a portion of the ramp; and a screw having threads, the screw insertable in the slot and threadable in a second vertebra, the screw having a screw head with an upper surface apart from the threads, wherein tightening of the screw moves the screw head along the ramp such that at least a portion of the upper surface of the screw head is positioned under the lip to inhibit backout of the screw.