US Patent 8657820 Bone plate and keel systems

Systems and methods for stabilizing portions of bone are provided. In some aspects, a bone plate system includes a plate configured to be fastened to at least one bone portion. The plate includes a keel slot and a locking assembly. The bone plate system also includes a keel configured to extend into the at least one bone portion through the keel slot. The locking assembly is configured to substantially prevent the keel from dislodging from the plate when the keel extends into the at least one bone portion through the keel slot.