Multistage spinal fixation locking mechanism

A method for locking the relative positions of a bone fixation device and a stabilization device comprising:

• placing a bone fixation device along a first direction through a bottom portion of a seat of a locking mechanism;
• engaging a washer having a receiver with a side portion of the seat along a second direction being perpendicular to said first direction wherein said side portion comprises a locking channel such that the receiver of the washer passes partially through and is aligned with the locking channel of the seat;
• placing a stabilization device in a channel in the side portion of the seat;
• placing a cap with a male member atop the seat such that the male member engages directly with the receiver through the locking channel along said second direction;
• and locking the fixation device with respect to the seat.

A locking mechanism comprising:

• a seat comprising a bottom portion and a side portion extending along a first direction from said bottom portion and wherein said bottom portion is structured and dimensioned to receive a bone fixation device;
• a washer structured and dimensioned to be placed within said seat and to pass partially through and engage said side portion of the seat along a second direction being perpendicular to said first direction;
• and
• a cap structured and dimensioned to engage directly with the washer through the side portion of the seat along said second direction to lock the bone fixation device.

A locking mechanism comprising:

• a seat comprising a bottom portion and a side portion extending along a first direction from said bottom portion and wherein said bottom portion is structured and dimensioned to receive a bone fixation device;
• a washer structured and dimensioned to be placed within said seat and to pass partially through and engage said side portion of the seat along a second direction being perpendicular to said first direction;
• a cap structured and dimensioned to engage directly with the washer through the side portion of the seat along said second direction to lock the bone fixation device;
• and
• wherein the washer comprises at least one female receiver and the cap comprises at least one male member and wherein the at least one female receiver and the at least one male member are structured and dimensioned for mating engagement through a locking channel in the side portion of the seat.

A locking mechanism comprising:

• a seat comprising a bottom portion and a side portion extending along a first direction from said bottom portion wherein said bottom portion is structured and dimensioned to receive a bone fixation device;
• a washer structured and dimensioned to be placed within said seat and to pass partially through and engage said side portion of the seat along a second direction being perpendicular to said first direction;
• and a cap structured and dimensioned to engage directly with the washer through the side portion of the seat along said second direction to lock the bone fixation device;
• and
• wherein the cap comprises at least one male member and the side portion of the seat comprises at least one locking channel structured and dimensioned to receive the at least one male member of the cap.

A locking mechanism comprising:

• a seat comprising a bottom portion and a side portion extending along a first direction from said bottom portion wherein said bottom portion is structured and dimensioned to receive a bone fixation device;
• a washer structured and dimensioned to be placed within said seat and to pass partially through and engage said side portion of the seat along a second direction being perpendicular to said first direction;
• a cap structured and dimensioned to engage directly with the washer through the side portion of the seat along said second direction to lock the bone fixation device;
• and
• a locking element to lock the position of a stabilization device placed in a channel of said side portion.

A locking mechanism comprising:

• a seat comprising a bottom portion and a side portion extending along a first direction from said bottom portion wherein said bottom portion is structured and dimensioned to receive a bone fixation device;
• a washer structured and dimensioned to be placed within said seat and to pass partially through and engage said side portion of the seat along a second direction being perpendicular to said first direction;
• a cap structured and dimensioned to engage directly with the washer through the side portion of the seat along said second direction to lock the bone fixation device;
• and
• wherein the washer is further structured and dimensioned to permit access to the fixation device after the washer is at least partially engaged with the side portion of the seat.