Bone plate screw-blocking systems and methods

Abstract

A bone plate screw-blocking system and method that comprises a plate with at least two bone screw receiving holes, blocking elements, bone screws, and a tool capable of simultaneously actuating at least two blocking elements. The plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface with bone screw receiving holes that extend through both surfaces of the plate. The bone screws couple the plate to the bone via the bone screw receiving holes. The blocking elements are movably positioned proximate each bone screw receiving hole. In an initial unblocked position, the blocking elements do not cover the bone screw receiving holes. Upon movement into final blocked positions, the blocking elements cover at least a portion of the bone screw receiving holes and preferably extend over at least a portion of the bone screw during use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of using a bone plating system comprising:
 providing a plate having a plurality of bone screw receiving holes, a plurality of blocking elements coupled with the plate proximate the bone screw receiving holes, a plurality of bone screws, and a tool;   positioning the plate proximate the spine during spinal surgery;   positioning the bone screws within the bone screw receiving holes;   positioning the tool proximate the plate between at least two of the plurality of blocking elements;   actuating the tool to cause the at least two blocking elements to move from a first unblocked position to a second blocked position such that the at least two blocking elements block the bone screws from completely backing out of the plate.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein actuating the tool simultaneously moves the at least two blocking elements. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein actuating the tool causes the at least two blocking elements to rotate from the first unblocked position to the second blocked position. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein actuating the tool causes the at least two blocking elements to slide from the first unblocked position to the second blocked position. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein actuating the tool causes the at least two blocking elements to depress from the first unblocked position to the second blocked position.