Disclosed embodiments relate to an orthopedic device including a plate and a single-step self-locking mechanism. The plate includes one or more tapered apertures and a slot defined in a top surface of the plate, the slot extending from each aperture. The locking mechanism is slidably seated in the slot and is operable to be positioned in a first position along the slot where a portion of the locking mechanism extends over the aperture or positioned in a second position along the slot where the portion of the locking mechanism is fully retracted from the aperture.
