Patent ID: 8236034

Claim:
An apparatus for fixing a plate to bony material, comprising: a plate having at least one elongated opening extending along a longitudinal axis having a spherical curvature extending in a cross-sectional view along lateral edges through thickness of the plate even without receiving a fastener through the at least one elongated opening, wherein tangents from outer most portion of the spherical curvature of the opening when viewed cross-sectionally intersect; and at least one fastener having a head that interferes with the plate at an interference region integrally formed therein, wherein the interference region includes at least one engagement area and at least one relief area; wherein the head is capable of engaging with and passing the interference region to communicate with the spherical curvature; wherein the elongated opening is sized to permit movement of the head along the longitudinal axis, wherein the fastener head comprises a partially spherical outer surface with a diameter corresponding approximately to a minor axis of the elongated opening of the plate, at least one slit located on the fastener head to permit outward expansion of the fastener head, and a locking screw capable of being received in a receptacle formed in the fastener head.