Patent ID: 7306605

Claim:
An anterior cervical plate for engaging at least two vertebrae along the anterior cervical spine, comprising: a lower surface adapted to engage the anterior of at least two cervical vertebrae and an opposite upper surface, at least one receiving area formed in the upper surface and including two transversely aligned screw holes, and a locking element pivotally mounted on the receiving area, the locking element being elongated and including tool engaging means offset from the pivot axis for grasping and pivoting the locking element, the locking element being movable to a first position in which the locking element completely uncovers the screw holes and a second position in which the ends of the elongated locking element extend over a portion of both screw holes to prevent the bone screws located therein from backing out; wherein the plate has a raised boss and the locking element has an opening which is pivotally mounted on the raised boss.