Patent ID: 8540721

Claim:
An instrument for inserting an implant into a vertebral space, comprising: first and second ramps, each including: (i) opposing outer and inner surfaces, each extending between proximal and distal ends thereof, and (ii) a vertebral contact surface located at the distal end thereof and in opposing relation to the inner surface thereof; and a ramp adjustment assembly having multiple elements in sliding contact with one another and being disposed between the inner surfaces of the first and second ramps, the ramp adjustment assembly operating to: (i) establish an initial non-zero angle between the vertebral contact surfaces of the respective first and second ramps; (ii) adjust an initial height between the inner surfaces of the respective first and second ramps, measured at the ramp adjustment assembly, by way of sliding at least two of the multiple elements in opposing directions relative to one another whilst remaining between the first and second ramps; and (iii) separate the vertebral contact surfaces of the respective first and second ramps, while holding the initial angle and the initial height substantially constant, via simultaneous sliding advancement of the ramp adjustment assembly toward the distal ends of the first and second ramps.