Patent ID: 8016862

Claim:
A bone stabilizing system comprising: a collar comprising: a tubular sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface each extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the interior surface at least partially bounding a longitudinal passage extending therethrough; a pair of opposing spaced apart channels transversely extending through the sidewall at the first end thereof; and a pair of spaced apart bayonet prongs projecting from the first end of the tubular sidewall; a screw having a threaded portion and a head disposed on an end thereof, the head of the screw being disposed within the longitudinal passage of the collar; a locking cap having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface, with a perimeter side wall extending therebetween, a threaded hole extending through the locking cap between the top and bottom surfaces, and a pair of spaced apart bayonet slots formed on the bottom surface and extending therefrom toward the top surface, the bayonet slots each having an entrance opening formed on the bottom surface of the locking cap, each entrance opening being completely and separately encircled by the bottom surface at spaced apart locations so that each entrance opening comprises a separate and distinct opening, the bayonet slots being configured to receive and engage with the pair of bayonet prongs so as to secure the locking cap to the collar; and a fastener received within the threaded hole formed on the locking cap.