A triangular shaped locking cervical plate bounded by three side walls terminating in corners having an aperture adapted to receive a bone screw. A recess is formed in an upper surface of the plate which includes a recess with a continuous sidewall interconnecting each aperture. A locking element is rotatably attached to the cervical plate having two tangs extending outwardly a first distance and a third tang extending outwardly a second distance. The locking element including the tangs are constructed and arranged to fit within the recess. Each aperture is open to receive a bone screw when the locking element is rotated into an unlocked position. Each end of the tang overlays a portion of the bone screw placed within the aperture when the locking element is rotated into a locked position.