Patent ID: 7641665

Claim:
A system comprising: a cervical disc replacement device having first and second members; an insertion handle comprising a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal bore extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, and an actuator disposed substantially at the proximal end of the shaft and an engagement member disposed at the distal end of the shaft; an insertion plate connected with and maintaining the first and second members of the intervertebral disc replacement device in registration with one another for substantially simultaneous insertion into an intervertebral disc space of a spinal column, the insertion plate operable for detachable engagement with the insertion handle, the insertion plate including a base having a posteriorly directed surface directed toward the first and second members of the intervertebral disc replacement device, a spaced apart anteriorly directed surface, and an insertion member extending away from the anteriorly directed surface of the base; and one of the insertion member of the base and the engagement member of the shaft includes a stem, and the other of the insertion member of the base and the engagement member of the shaft includes a bore such that the stem is receivable in the bore and the insertion handle and the insertion plate detachably engage one another; and a pushing member having a proximal end and a distal end and being slideably receivable within the longitudinal bore, wherein the insertion handle is detachable from the insertion plate to facilitate removal of the insertion handle when the intervertebral disc replacement device is positioned within the intervertebral disc space.