A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the two surfaces. The hole has a central longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the two surfaces. The retaining element comprises a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole, a second position that at least partially overlaps the hole, and a spring element. The spring element is configured to engage the stratum, configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the hole when the retaining element moves between its first and second positions, and configured to engage the retaining element to help maintain the retaining element in its second position to help prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after it has been fully inserted into the hole.
