Patent ID: 8591551

Claim:
A spinal stabilization system, comprising: at least a first anchor defining a first longitudinal axis and engageable to a first vertebra and a second anchor engageable to a second vertebra, said first and second anchors each including a bone engaging portion and a mounting portion extending proximally from said bone engaging portion, each of said first and second anchors further including an engaging member; a first plate segment defining a second longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis and including a body defining a hole extending therethrough for receiving said first anchor, said body further defining a socket defining a third longitudinal axis; and a second plate segment including a body defining a hole extending therethrough for receiving said second anchor, said body of said second plate segment including a member extending into said socket to pivotally connect said second plate segment to said first plate segment, wherein the second plate extends along the second longitudinal axis in a first orientation and is configured to rotate about the third longitudinal axis such that the second plate extends along a fourth longitudinal axis in a second orientation, wherein said engaging member of said first anchor is movable to manipulate said body of said first plate segment to collapse said socket around said member and lock said second plate segment in position relative to said first plate segment.