The present invention provides an improved spinal fixation system for treating disease or damage to the spinal column, and methods of using the same. The novel spinal fixation system includes a low-profile lateral fixation plate for fixing adjacent vertebral bodies having specially textured surfaces for interfacing with implant screws, two or more implant screws having roughed surfaces for interfacing with the low-profile fixation plate, and a means for tightening the implant screws and the low-profile fixation plate together. The low profile lateral fixation plate facilitates a more efficient and less intrusive spinal fusion procedure because it can be inserted and implanted through the same incision and/or channel used to excise an intervertebral disc and/or bone tissue. The lateral plate fixation system is configured fix adjacent vertebrae in proper position, thereby facilitating fusion of the adjacent vertebrae at the proper spacing and angle.
