Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces,
providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface
to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly
convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing
root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow
and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit
to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders,
a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the
plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.
