Patent ID: 7815666

Claim:
A dynamic spinal plate adapted to stabilize adjacent vertebrae comprising: an elongated shaft with a proximal surface and a distal surface, said elongated shaft having a first bar near one end adapted for connection with a vertebra, said shaft having an opposite end, at least a second bar movably attached near said opposite end, said first and second bars each having a screw hole adapted to seat a screw head, a first resilient spring clip attached to said second bar, wherein said elongated shaft has transverse teeth formed in said distal surface along the length thereof, said first resilient spring clip having a pawl portion seated between adjacent said transverse teeth and securing said second bar along the length of said elongated shaft thereby maintaining the space between said first bar and said second bar; said resilient spring clip having a retainer spanning said screw hole, whereby the first resilient spring clip will flex so as to allow the head of the screw to seat on said screw hole and upon seating of the screw head the first resilient spring clip will release on top of the screw head.