Patent ID: 7811310

Claim:
A locking mechanism for engaging and locking a relative position of a bone fixation device and a relative position of a stabilization device, the locking mechanism comprising: a seat comprising a bottom portion structured and dimensioned to receive the fixation device and prevent the fixation device from passing entirely therethrough and a side portion extending along a first direction from said bottom portion and comprising a channel for receiving the stabilization device; a washer with wings structured and dimensioned to engage grooves within the side portion of the seat between the stabilization device and the fixation device, wherein at least one of said wings comprises a receiver structured to pass partially through and align with a locking channel in the side portion of the seat along a second direction being perpendicular to said first direction; and a cap structured and dimensioned to engage directly with the receiver through the locking channel of the seat along said second direction to lock the bone fixation device with respect to the bottom portion of the seat independent of the stabilization device; and a locking element structured and dimensioned for locking the stabilization device with respect to the seat by compressing the stabilization device to the washer.