Abstract: A surgical instrument includes: grip handles (2, 3) which are articulated to each other around a fulcrum pin (4) so that the jaws can be moved from an open position to a closed position; and connecting elements (5) which can be used to: (i) lock the handles (2, 3) in a determined, constant position when a first force is exerted on the handles; and (ii) unlock the handles (2, 3) when a second force is exerted on same.

Abstract: A spinal assembly plate. The plate can have an uninterrupted passage to accommodate a portion of a vertebral screw there through at a non-predetermined location of the plate. An apparatus can be included with sidewalls to secure the plate there between. Another apparatus can be included with a face having a frictional character to longitudinally stabilize the apparatus to the plate. A spinal assembly can be included having a vertebral screw, a spinal plate, an apparatus to secure the vertebral screw, and a connector brace to stabilize the plate. In a method of the invention, a vertebral screw can be placed through an opening of a connector brace and into a vertebral body of a patient wherein the brace includes sidewalls to stabilize a spinal plate.