A system and method includes a housing dimensioned to be situated between adjacent spinal bones, such as adjacent vertebrae. Screws are provided in one embodiment and are dimensioned or configured to lock against each other to retain the screws and, consequently, the cover in place. Another embodiment illustrates a plurality of plate elements that can be slidably received and locked in the cage. Each of the plate elements are adapted to receive at least one screw and guide the screw at a predetermined angle into a vertebra, thereby securing the cage in an inter-vertebral space.