Abstract: A fastener caddy for use with a bone plate. The fastener caddy includes preloaded fasteners that are positioned above the fastener apertures in the bone plate once the caddy is coupled to the bone plate. The caddy permits the driving of fasteners with the fastener already in proper alignment and without the need to retrieve each individual fastener. Once the fasteners are installed into the bone plate.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a reinforcement mode. Other features can be combined with these. Such plates can be created for use on bone sites such as on a tibia, fibula, metatarsal, calcaneous, other foot bone, humerus, radius, ulna, spinal, maxillofacial, as well as sites on other bones.

Abstract: A bone fixation screw is provided for coupling with a bone fusion plate to join bone fusions. The bone fixation screw comprises a head portion and a shank that is comprised of distal threads and extends to a tapered portion and a rounded distal end. The head portion includes proximal threads extending circumferentially around an inferior end of the head portion. The proximal threads are configured to advantageously cross-thread with aperture threads of the bone fusion plate when the bone fixation screw is obliquely angled relative to the bone fusion plate. Slots disposed around the head portion allow the proximal threads to disengage and reengage with the aperture threads as the bone fixation screw turns. A shaped opening in a superior end of the head portion engagedly receives a tool for driving the bone fixation screw into a bone hole.

Abstract: A low profile intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a quadruped. The intervertebral implant includes a plate and a spacer that extends from the plate. The intervertebral implant can define geometries that nest with complementary geometries of the vertebral bodies. Further, the plate can include fixation holes that extend along trajectories such that screws inserted through the fixation holes and driven into the respective vertebral bodies can purchase with dense cortical bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bone plates, bone plate systems, and methods of use thereof that can include a bone plate that includes a plate frame and first and second anvils. The plate frame can have a first surface and define a first opening and a second opening. Each of the first and second anvils can include first and second plates, and a body located in between the first and second plates. The first plate can have a first surface arranged to rest against the first surface of the plate frame when the bone plate is implanted. The second plate can be sized to pass into each of the first and second openings. The body can define a through hole sized to receive a fastener. When the bone plate is implanted, the plate frame can be moveable relative to the first and second anvils.

Abstract: A bone plate assembly includes a bone plate and a rotatable lock. The bone plate includes a superior surface, an inferior surface, and at least one screw through-hole that is configured to receive a bone screw. The bone plate includes a locking cavity that defined in the superior surface. The locking cavity includes a bottom surface that is recessed relative to the superior surface, and also includes a post that extends upwards from the bottom surface. The rotatable lock is supported on the post such that the rotatable lock is at least partially within the locking cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for fusing bones of the human body. The apparatus comprises a bone plate which generally is a member having one or more fixation apertures, configured to receive fasteners, and an insert aperture. The bone plate comprises a semi-rigid material, such as a biocompatible metal or Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), possessing a tensile strength suitable for immobilizing bones. A convertible insert is configured to be retained within the insert aperture. The convertible insert is configured to optimally direct a fastener towards a chosen point of purchase for fixating or compressing bones. In some embodiments, the insert is configured to direct a fastener at an oblique angle relative to a plane of the fusion plate. In some embodiments, the insert is configured to direct a fastener at a substantially right angle relative to the fusion plate.

Abstract: A cervical plate assembly is disclosed. The cervical plate assembly includes a base plate including: (1) at least two bone screw seats, each bone screw seat including a borehole dimensioned to receive a bone screw, and (2) a first blocking seat positioned between the at least two bone screw seats. The cervical plate assembly includes a blocking mechanism retained within the first blocking seat of the base plate. The blocking mechanism is selectively positionable between a closed position in which the blocking mechanism obstructs at least one bone screw seat to retain a bone screw with the base plate, and an open position in which the bone screw seats are unobstructed.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for bone fusion are disclosed. In particular, a fixation screw assembly is provided that comprises a bone engagement portion including a shaft and a head member. The assembly also includes a flexible washer member that can be operably attached and secured around the head member of the bone engagement portion. The washer member is polyaxial relative to the bone engagement portion, such that it can assume a variety of angles. The washer member can help prevent back out of the bone engagement portion when the bone engagement portion is implanted into a bone member. The design of the fixation screw assembly can be used in different fusion procedures, including fusion of the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: Anterior cervical plates for spinal surgery employing anchor backout prevention devices, and related systems and methods are disclosed. A spinal column includes vertebrae in an articulating structure. Medical intervention may involve limiting the relative motion between vertebrae by fusing at least first and second vertebrae together with osteosynthesis systems. The systems include a plate attached to anterior surfaces of the first and second vertebrae with anchors extending through passageways in the plate. By including one or more anchor backout prevention devices to the plate, movements causing the anchors to disengage from the vertebrae may be avoided. The devices may include a positioning guide, and locking magnets. The implementation of a combination of these devices into the plate may provide greater robustness against failure than any of the devices individually. In this manner, the useful life of the plate within a patient may be lengthened.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for the treatment of spinal instability and/or stenosis of the spinal canal and neural foramina. In one embodiment, a functional spinal unit (FSU) of a subject is approached through a lateral or antero-lateral corridor, and both an anterior and posterior column of the FSU are manipulated, implanted and/or otherwise surgically treated through the same intra-abdominal surgical corridor. A method is disclosed to reach the posterior aspect of the FSU, wherein the intra-abdominal surgical corridor is extended posterior to the psoas major muscle and through the thoraco-lumbar fascia in order to reach the transverse process and/or facet joint. Multiple trajectories for bone screw fixation of the vertebral bone are additionally disclosed. In another embodiment, the FSU is approached through the above corridor and a second posterior skin incision and corridor. The combination of the corridors provided circumferential access to the FSU.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a reinforcement mode. Other features can be combined with these. Such plates can be created for use on bone sites such as on a tibia, fibula, metatarsal, calcaneous, other foot bone, humerus, radius, ulna, spinal, maxillofacial, as well as sites on other bones.

Abstract: A fastener for use with a bone plate having a spring loaded fastener locking clip includes a cylindrical head portion having an outer periphery and defining a longitudinal axis, a threaded body portion configured for insertion through a fastener receiving aperture of the bone plate, an annular shoulder formed between the cylindrical head portion and the threaded body portion, the annular shoulder having an outer periphery, and at least one anti-rotation flange extending between the outer periphery of the cylindrical head portion and the outer periphery of the annular shoulder.

Abstract: A spinal plate that is self-adjusting along its longitudinal axis to accommodate subsidence that may occur and aid in loading the bone graft to promote boney fusion while providing rigid fixation. The spinal plate is configured to inhibit loosening or backing out of bone screws.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for bone fusion are disclosed. In particular, a fixation screw assembly is provided that comprises a bone engagement portion including a shaft and a head member. The assembly also includes a flexible washer member that can be operably attached and secured around the head member of the bone engagement portion. The washer member is polyaxial relative to the bone engagement portion, such that it can assume a variety of angles. The washer member can help prevent back out of the bone engagement portion when the bone engagement portion is implanted into a bone member. The design of the fixation screw assembly can be used in different fusion procedures, including fusion of the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: A polyaxial screw for surgical implant comprising an axially hollow central body; an anchoring element having an anchoring portion and a coupling portion, said anchoring portion projecting from said central body and said coupling portion being received inside the axial cavity of said central body; an insert axially received inside said axial cavity of the central body and an attachment element suitable to couple internally to said central body, characterized in that said insert has an elastic portion able to apply to at least a portion of the anchoring element a distributed compression load the resultant force of which being directed along the central axis X.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in an integral receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A friction fit compression insert (some with lock and release feature), a planar split retaining ring and a shank upper portion cooperate to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra. The shank and receiver once assembled cannot be disassembled and the receiver and insert may include aligned tool receiving apertures for lock and release of the polyaxial mechanism.

Abstract: A bone plate locking mechanism and methods for utilizing same are disclosed. A bone plate in accordance with the present invention includes a bone screw hole having a plurality of first lips and a plurality of second lips. The first lips are closer to the upper surface than the second lips and the first and second lips are offset around the bone screw hole.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral shank head receivable in a one-piece receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A compression insert (some with an independent tool lock, lock and release feature and/or friction fit feature) and a split retaining ring articulatable with respect to both the shank head and the receiver (prior to locking) cooperate with the receiver to provide for pop- or snap-on assembly of the shank with the receiver either prior to or after implantation of the shank into a vertebra.

Abstract: Devices and methods for locking one or more bone screws to a fixation plate. A cam-style locking feature may be disposed in the fixation plate such that, when the locking feature is in a first position, the bone screw is able to traverse an opening in the fixation plate and engage adjacent bone; and when the locking feature is rotated into a second position, an interference between the locking feature and bone screw causes the bone screw to be firmly secured to the fixation plate.

Abstract: A polyaxial fastener is secured within an implant with a retaining ring. The ring is assembled onto a circumferential groove formed in the fastener head. The groove and ring are positionable, when the fastener is installed into an implant, at a wide portion of the mating polyaxial aperture in the implant. The ring is compressible into the groove to form a narrowed diameter, which is passable into a narrow diameter of the aperture, near an entrance to the aperture. The ring is released to expand and increase an overall diameter of the head and ring assembly, thereby rending the assembly too wide to pass by the narrow entrance to the aperture, thereby securing the assembly within the implant.

Abstract: Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.

Abstract: Springs for use in bone implant assemblies where the spring is assembled to a bone implant body. The spring comprises first and second bands, biased against each other, by a spring leaf which extends between the bands, and resists compression of the bands toward each other. Securement of the spring to the implant body can provide for initial transverse movement of the entire length of the spring leaf, when one of the bands is urged toward the other. When assembled to an implant body, the bands extend into fastener receiving apertures in the implant body. A stud is installed in the implant body and extends into an aperture in the spring. A stud-receiving aperture in the spring is optionally elongate, with the length of such aperture extending along the width of the spring, thereby enabling distributing an external compressive force through substantially the entire body of the spring leaf.

Abstract: A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass into an aperture of an implant, for example, a bone plate, the fastener having an anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion formed by an assembly of an insert and an anchor extension. The insert and anchor extension cooperate to form a reduced dimension passable into the aperture, and an expanded dimension not passable out of the aperture. The size of the assembly may be configurable, for example, by tabs, ramped surfaces, or an expanding diameter of a threadable insert.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a plate having at least a first aperture and a second aperture, and at least a first annulus adaptable to be disposed within the first aperture and at least a second annulus adaptable to be disposed within the second aperture. Further provided is at least a first screw adaptable to be disposed within the first annulus and at least a second screw adaptable to be disposed within the second annulus, wherein the first and second screws are each engageable with its respective first and second annulus.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a shank to be anchored in a bone or vertebra, a head, and a receiving part receiving the head for connecting the shank to a rod. The shank and the head are separate parts. The head has a bore with a cylindrical inner surface, a ring-shaped groove provided on the inner surface, and at least one slit extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the head. The shank has a first portion for anchoring in the bone or vertebra and a second portion with a cylindrical outer surface adjoining a free end. A projection is provided on the cylindrical outer surface which engages with the ring-shaped groove of the head, when the cylindrical second portion of the shank is inserted in the bore of the head.

Abstract: Translational bone fixation assemblies, kits containing such assemblies, and methods of use are described herein. The described assemblies may be used in spinal fusion procedures in which a damaged or diseased disc (or part of a disc) is removed from between a pair of vertebrae and a spinal fusion spacer is placed between the vertebrae. The assemblies may be applied to an anterior portion of the affected vertebrae to span the affected disc space, and may be fixed to the vertebrae using bone screws. The assemblies may function to maintain the vertebrae aligned during the initial period following fixation in which fusion of the spacer to the adjacent vertebrae occurs. The assemblies may also function to share some of the axial spinal load applied to the fusion spacer to prevent extreme subsidence of the spacer into the vertebral body, such as where the patient has poor bone quality.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for instrumented insertion of a socket inset (4) with a spherical cap (20) into a hip socket (5) of a hip-joint prosthesis, having an impacting instrument (1) with a handle (7), at one end of which a holding tool for the socket inset (4) is located. In order to avoid tilting of the socket inset during insertion, it is proposed that the one end (8) of the impacting instrument (1) has a spherical shape and is part of the holding tool, and the holding tool furthermore comprises an impacting head (2), which is designed as a separate component and received the spherical end (8) of the impacting instrument (1) in an articulated manner, and an insertion aid (3), which is designed as a separate component and serves to hold the socket inset (4) on the outer geometry of the impacting head (2), and the impacting head (2) can be connected to the spherical end (8) to form a ball joint.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic plate blocking assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of an orthopedic plate to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides an orthopedic plate having a plurality of cavities where each cavity is configured and dimensioned to receive a bone anchoring member. The orthopedic plate further provides a blocking mechanism having a plurality of blocking members that block the bone anchoring members to prevent the bone anchoring members from “backing out” of cavities once the bone anchoring members are finally seated in the cavities.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for a system, such as a cervical plate fusion system, that has mechanisms for preventing bone screws from backing out of the plate. The system prevents both counter-rotation of the screw and axial backing out of the screw. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A screw back-out prevention mechanism for a bone fixation system is provided. The mechanism, when engaged, either locks or retains the screws of the bone fixation system in place thereby preventing the screws of the bone fixation system from backing out of the bone, and in turn reducing the risk of device separation or failure in the bone fixation system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable devices for stabilizing or fusing bone structures within the spine. More specifically, the present invention is a spinal plate assembly that includes an automatic mechanism for blocking the pathway of a bone fastener once inserted to prevent unwanted backwards migration of the bone screw.

Abstract: A fixation device is used to fix an elongate element, in particular a wire, in an opening of a retaining structure, in particular of an implant plate. The fixation device has a main body. The main body is provided with a bore for receiving the elongate element. The main body is radially deformable in a clamp area, such that the diameter of the bore can be reduced. The main body has an outer contour which is designed in such a way that, when the fixation device is inserted into the opening of the retaining structure, the clamp area is deformed such that the elongate element is clamped securely in the bore.

Abstract: A spinal plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface adapted to contact bone. A plurality of holes extend from the upper surface to the lower surface through the plate which is configured and adapted to receive bone fasteners for fixing the spinal plate to bone. At least one set screw receiving hole adjacent from each one of the plurality of holes, the set screw receiving hole configured to adapt with a set screw. The lower surface of the spinal plate comprises a ridge that protrudes from the underside of the plate and encloses the plurality of holes spaced inward from the perimeter of the spinal plate.

Abstract: Systems for trauma and/or joint fusion implants and instruments include transarticular screw and intra-articular washer, polyaxial screw and plate, single- and multi-level polyaxial bone clamps, and minimally invasive adaptations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone. In various embodiments, the systems and plates may provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension may promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, for instance if fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate may enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate, which may promote fracture healing by callus formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical drill guide having an anchoring mechanism for locking the drill guide to a bone plate. The anchoring mechanism is adapted to be received through an opening of a bone plate and rotated to lock the drill guide to the bone plate. The anchoring mechanism can be rotated by a driver, which has a distal end key that fits into a corresponding socket of on the proximal portion of the anchoring mechanism. The present invention also relates to a kit including a bone plate, a driver, and the drill guide and a method for using the kit to perform surgery.

Abstract: Devices and systems for repairing bone fractures and more specifically a fracture repair plate that provides for fixation of a metaphysis to the diaphysis of a long bone, for instance a fracture between the proximal humerus and the diaphysis of the humerus. The fracture repair system includes an implantable repair fracture repair plate and a bone anchor for fixing the fracture repair plate to a bone. In one embodiment, the fracture repair plate may also be adapted to serve as an anchor for a suture. The fracture repair system may also include a fracture reduction mechanism attachable to the fracture repair plate for imparting a controlled translational movement between two bone segments along a plane that lies substantially parallel to the surface of the bone to which the fracture repair plate is attached and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone shaft.

Abstract: A spine plate defines a body having a posterior surface or side and an anterior surface or side. The body also has a pair of bone screw bores for each vertebra to which the spine plate will be attached. The bone screw bores extend between the posterior side and the anterior side. A relief area is provided between each pair of bone screw bores in the anterior surface of the body. The relief area opens to both bone screw bores to allow displacement of the bone screw when entering the respective bone screw bore. The relief area also opens to both bone screw bores to permit an instrument to be received therein to remove a bone screw from one of the bone screw bores.

Abstract: A bone plate system comprises a bone plate including a first surface and a second surface, the bone plate including at least one threaded aperture, the threaded aperture being tapered between the first surface and the second surface. The bone plate system further comprises at least one fastener including an elongate shaft and a threaded head, the threaded head being tapered between a proximal end of the threaded head and a distal end of the threaded head, wherein a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses are formed in the threaded head and define a plurality of threaded tabs. The at least one fastener is configured for insertion within the at least one threaded aperture at a plurality of different insertion angles while achieving a locking engagement between the threaded head and the threaded aperture.

Abstract: Systems for repairing acetabulum fractures can include a bone plate that has openings therein and one or more bolts sized to fit through the openings. The bone plate can cooperate with the head portions of the bolts to prevent them from spinning within the holes as screws are attached to the bolts. Such arrangements can assist in reverse implantation methods in which the bone plate is introduced into the true pelvis of a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a bone fixation assembly that can provide polyaxial fixation. The polyaxial fixation may be provided by fins that protrude from an opening in a bone plate or fins that protrude from a fastener head.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.

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.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an expandable ring is provided including a continuous ring member having no splits or breaks. According to one exemplary embodiment, the expandable ring is a compliant mechanism configured to expand and contract due to a relative movement of related sections of the continuous ring member.

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force, or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: A bone plate system having a retainer for resisting back-out of a bone anchor from a throughbore of a bone plate is provided. In one aspect, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer disposed in a bone plate throughbore with a pair of elongate arm portions of the resilient retainer extending along opposite sides of the throughbore. In another aspect, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer with a pair of elongate interference portions completely exposed in the throughbore and spaced from each other across the throughbore to retain a head of a bone anchor received in the throughbore. In addition, a bone plate system having a resilient retainer with a pair of opposite end portions disposed within a groove of a throughbore wall such that a bone anchor may be inserted into the throughbore without contacting either of the opposite end portions of the retainer.