Patent ID: 7575576

Claim:
An instrument for distracting an intervertebral space, the instrument comprising: a first elongated section having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having at least two prongs extending therefrom for contacting a surface in an intervertebral space, the first elongated section and the at least two prongs having an interior side having at least two laterally-spaced grooves disposed thereon; a second elongated section having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having at least two prongs extending therefrom for contacting a surface in the intervertebral space, the second elongated section and the at least two prongs having an interior side having at least two laterally-spaced grooves disposed thereon; said first and second elongated sections connected at their proximal ends such that said interior sides face each other, the interior sides forming a passage dimensioned to accommodate the passage of an artificial intervertebral disc and a device for manipulating said disc, said passage effecting distraction of the intervertebral space, wherein said connected proximal ends are connected by a c-clip adapted to releasably connect said elongated sections to each other at their respective proximal ends.