Patent ID: 7611517

Claim:
An apparatus for connecting to an orthopedic implant, comprising: a base having a relatively forward end and a relatively rearward end; a shaft connected to said base, said shaft being slidable with respect to said base between first and second positions; a plate having an aperture, said plate being pivotably connected to said shaft, such that when said shaft is in said first position said plate is in a position for locking to an implant, and when said shaft is slid to said second position, said plate pivots to a position for accepting insertion of a part of an implant; a sleeve at least partially surrounding said shaft and being slidable along said shaft and slidable with respect to said base and said plate; a ratchet mechanism connected to said base and said sleeve, said ratchet mechanism operable to move said sleeve with respect to said base, said shaft and said plate; and a handle including an actuator movably connected to said base, said actuator operating said ratchet mechanism when said actuator is moved relative to said base.