Patent ID: 9084682
Filing Date: 2015-07-21
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of inserting an intervertebral implant into an intervertebral disc space defined between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, the method comprising the steps of: inserting an arm of an implant insertion instrument into a recess of the intervertebral implant by moving the implant insertion instrument relative to the intervertebral implant in an insertion direction, the recess being at least partially defined by first and second side walls of a keel of the intervertebral implant; advancing the implant insertion instrument so as to insert the intervertebral implant into the intervertebral disc space until an upper surface of the intervertebral implant faces the first vertebra, a lower surface of the intervertebral implant that is opposite the upper surface faces the second vertebra, and the keel is positioned within a cutout defined by one of the first and second vertebrae; and removing the arm of the implant insertion instrument from the recess of the intervertebral implant by moving the implant insertion instrument relative to the intervertebral implant in a direction opposite the insertion direction while the intervertebral implant remains in the intervertebral disc space.