a cervical plate having backout or reverse threading protection is provided . the cervical plate has one screw bores through which at least one screw extends to anchor the cervical plate to a vertebra . the plate further has at least one channel with at least one engaging edge . a cover plate has a cover plate that extends over a portion of a screw head of the screw . the cover plate also has a locking extension with at least one locking edge at a distal end . the locking extension is inserted into the channel such that the engaging edge and the locking edge engage and hold the cover plate such that the cover plate edge is substantially adjacent the portion of the screw head preventing the screw from backing out .