A cervical plate system (1) and method for use in the fixation of a spine comprising a fixation plate (2) having an aperture (3) extending from a top surface (5) to a bottom surface (19) and dimensioned for admitting at least a portion of a bone fixation element (4) shank (15) therethrough, a slot (7) extending into the bottom surface (19), and a lock (11) affixed adjacent the fixation plate bottom surface (19) for rotation relative to the fixation plate (2).
