An implant insertion system, comprising: an insertion instrument with a first end and a second end, the insertion instrument comprising: an opening extending into the insertion instrument from the second end; and an implant comprising: a first portion at a first end , wherein the first portion is received within the opening of the insertion instrument ;; a second portion at a second end ; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion; an elongated cylindrical member having an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end , characterised in that a first circumferential recess is formed in the outer surface of the first portion and a second circumferential recess is formed in the outer surface of the second portion; and in that the implant further comprises: a first band of plasma sprayed material disposed within the first circumferential recess and protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface of the first portion; and a second band of plasma sprayed material disposed within the second circumferential recess and protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface of the second portion. an insertion instrument with a first end and a second end, the insertion instrument comprising: an opening extending into the insertion instrument from the second end; and an implant comprising: a first portion at a first end , wherein the first portion is received within the opening of the insertion instrument ;; a second portion at a second end ; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion; an elongated cylindrical member having an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end , characterised in that a first circumferential recess is formed in the outer surface of the first portion and a second circumferential recess is formed in the outer surface of the second portion; and in that the implant further comprises: a first band of plasma sprayed material disposed within the first circumferential recess and protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface of the first portion; and a second band of plasma sprayed material disposed within the second circumferential recess and protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface of the second portion. a first portion at a first end , wherein the first portion is received within the opening of the insertion instrument ;; a second portion at a second end ; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion; an elongated cylindrical member having an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end , characterised in that a first circumferential recess is formed in the outer surface of the first portion and a second circumferential recess is formed in the outer surface of the second portion; and in that the implant further comprises: a first band of plasma sprayed material disposed within the first circumferential recess and protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface of the first portion; and a second band of plasma sprayed material disposed within the second circumferential recess and protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface of the second portion. a first band of plasma sprayed material disposed within the first circumferential recess and protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface of the first portion; and a second band of plasma sprayed material disposed within the second circumferential recess and protruding radially outward beyond the outer surface of the second portion. <EOS>