US Patent 10016224 Anterior cervical plate

An anterior cervical plate system is provided. The plate is configured to receive bone screws for attachment to and immobilization of adjacent vertebrae of the spine. The system includes a lock configured to prevent the bone screws from backing out of the plate. The lock includes at least one blocking surface that is movable between a blocked configuration preventing the bone screw from backing out and an unblocked configuration allowing passage of the bone screw. The lock achieves a blocked position in a rotation of less than 90 degrees while maintaining or increasing a low-profile.