Patent ID: 7951153

Claim:
An instrument for implanting an orthopedic implant in a target space between a pair of skeletal segments, comprising: a first mount comprising an elongate body having a distal end mountable at a defined anatomical position relative to the target space; an implant insertion device pivotably attached to a first end of the mount, wherein the insertion device is pivotable to an orientation so as to deliver the implant into the space between the pair of skeletal segments, and wherein the insertion device comprises a straight member rotatably attached to the first end of the mount, and a curved elongate body extending from the straight member, wherein the curved elongate body has a proximal end attached to the straight member and wherein the curved elongate body contains an arcuate internal bore extending from a proximal opening at a proximal region of the curved elongated body to a distal opening at a distal region of the curved elongated body and wherein the arcuate internal bore is sized to permit advancement of an orthopedic implant therethrough; an arcuate plunger that slidably fits within the arcuate internal bore of the curved elongate body, the plunger having a proximal end and a conical distal end and wherein, when the plunger is positioned in the arcuate internal bore, the proximal end of the plunger protrudes out of the proximal opening of the arcuate internal bore and a conical distal end of the plunger protrudes out of the distal opening of the arcuate internal bore, and wherein the plunger prevents delivery of the implant by the insertion device through the arcuate internal bore when the plunger is positioned within the arcuate internal bore; an orthopedic implant sized to be advanced through the arcuate internal bore of the insertion device and into the skeletal system.