Patent ID: 8043342

Claim:
A system for effecting fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, comprising: a plate member, said plate member being constructed and arranged to securely position a bone forming material against a human cranium, said plate member having a hole defined therein, wherein said hole is defined by a threaded inner surface of the plate member and is configured as cylindrical through hole; a rod member; a triple screw member positioned within said hole, wherein said triple screw member comprises: a first portion that is inserted within said hole so as to directly contact a surface of said plate member defining said hole, wherein said first portion is threaded and has a cylindrical configuration that engages said threaded inner surface of the plate member; a second portion comprising a threaded surface capable of engaging the human cranium; a third portion comprising a threaded surface; wherein said rod member is received within and positioned through a width of said triple screw member; and a nut member secured to said third portion, wherein said rod member is secured below said nut member, and whereby said nut member may be tightened in order to fix said rod member and said plate member relative to said triple screw member and the cranium, such that said plate member adjoins said second portion and such that said rod member directly contacts said nut member.