Bone fixation systems and methods of use

A method of fixing a bone plate having a first body portion and a second body portion to first and second bone segments that are disposed in a relative position in relation to each other and are separated by a bone gap, the method comprising:

• aligning the bone plate with the first and second bone segments such that a first plurality of apertures extending through the first body portion of the bone plate are generally aligned with the first bone segment and a second plurality of apertures extending through the second body portion of the bone plate are generally aligned with the second bone segment;
• after the aligning step, inserting a bone anchor through a first aperture of the first plurality of apertures and into the first bone segment to couple the bone plate to the first bone segment;
• coupling a forceps having first and second jaws to the bone plate by inserting a fixation element through the first jaw and into a second aperture of the first plurality of apertures, the forceps including a first lever and an opposed second lever that are pivotally connected, the first lever defining a first handle and the second lever defining a second handle;
• coupling a temporary fixation element to the second bone segment, the temporary fixation element extending through the second jaw of the forceps and through an elongated, slotted aperture of the second plurality of apertures;
• and
• actuating the forceps to cause the first and second jaws to move closer together and bias at least the temporary fixation element to translate relative to the bone plate, thereby adjusting the relative positions of the first and second bone segments in relation to each other.