Patent ID: 8062294

Claim:
An orthopaedic implant, comprising a body having a top surface and a bottom surface; a fastener-receiving bore extending through the body, the bore including a threaded lower portion and a flared wall at the top surface of the body, the flared wall having a smooth surface with the exception of a plurality of recesses spaced apart peripherally around the flared wall; a fastener having an end with threads that match the threaded lower portion of the body and a head with an outer surface corresponding to the flared wall of the bore in the body, the outer surface of the head being smooth with the exception of one or more projections, each projection being dimensioned to engage with one of the recesses such that when the fastener is inserted through the bore and tightened into a bone, the protrusions and recesses ultimately interlock to minimize or prevent back-out of the fastener from the body; and wherein the fastener further includes a relief between the head and the threaded end creating a land that allows rotation of the fastener but prevents pull-out due to interference with the bottom surface of the body.