Patent ID: 7625379

Claim:
An instrument for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions, comprising: a housing; a pair of opposing guide members coupled to said housing, each of said pair of guide members including a body with an outer surface and an opposite guide surface and an elongated slot opening therebetween, said slot extending along said respective guide member, the implant being positionable between said guide surfaces; a spreader positioned between said pair of guide members, said spreader including a central body and a pair of opposite wings extending therefrom, each wing being slidingly received in said slot of a corresponding one of said pair of guide members; a drive member coupled to said spreader and operable to forwardly advance said spreader and the implant positioned forwardly of said spreader toward distal ends of said guide members, wherein: said housing includes a coupling portion and a drive member engaging portion extending proximally from said coupling portion, said drive member engaging portion and said coupling portion including a passage extending therethrough for receiving said drive member; said drive member includes a shaft threadingly engaged in said passage and a handle at a proximal end of said shaft; and further comprising an implant holder extending through said drive member and said spreader, said implant holder including an adjustment knob at a proximal end thereof and a distal end extending distally of said spreader.