Patent attributes
Bone support assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprises locking structures assembled to bone support plates. The locking structure comprises elongate bands biased against each other. The bands extend into apertures in the plate. The bands automatically respond to side forces applied by interfering elements of bone fasteners driven through the apertures, by moving away from the interfering elements, and returning to blocking positions over the interfering elements after the interfering elements pass the bands. Methods of fabrication include inserting the locking structure longitudinally into the channel and optionally extending locking studs through the plate and engaging the locking structure. Methods of use include advancing interfering elements of the bone fasteners through the apertures and past the bands. The interfering elements deflect the bands as the interfering elements pass and the bands, return to their initial positions when the interfering elements have moved past the bands.