Methods and apparatus for providing a retainer for a bone stabilization device

摘要

A skeletal fixation apparatus includes: a plate having first and second spaced apart surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the surfaces of the plate, each aperture for receiving a respective fixation element for coupling the plate to one or more bones of a patient; and at least one retention element having an elongate member coupled to the plate at first and second ends thereof, wherein the first end of the elongate member is fixed in position and the second end of the elongate member is operable to rotate about the first end such that: (i) at least a portion of the elongate member overlies at least a portion of a first of the apertures when the second end is in at least one first rotational position to retain a first fixation element in the first aperture, and (ii) the elongate member does not substantially overlie the first aperture when the second end is in at least one second rotational position to permit the first fixation element to enter or exit the first aperture.