Patent ID: 8821554

Claim:
An apparatus for stabilizing a bony region, comprising: an elongated element having a long axis, a front and a back, the elongated element defining: a first opening configured to receive a bony fixation element and extending from the elongate element front to the elongate element back; a second opening configured to receive another bony fixation element and extending from the elongate element front to the elongate element back; and a cavity within the elongated element; and a bony fixation element retention module configured to be securely inserted within the elongated element cavity, the retention module comprising a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is connected to a bias element that deflectably extends the first arm into the first opening and wherein the second arm is connected to the bias element that also deflectably extends the second arm into the second opening when the retention module is securely inserted within the elongated element cavity, the elongate element having a first channel or slot communicating between the first opening and the cavity, and a second channel or slot communicating between the second opening and the cavity, each first and second channel or slot formed under one or more tabs, the retention module first arm deflectably extending from the cavity into the first opening via the first channel or slot, and the retention module second arm deflectably extending from the cavity into the second opening via the second channel or slot, each first and second arm having shoulders that engage the tabs limiting the movement to prevent expulsion of the retention module during arm deformation.