Patent ID: 8114138

Claim:
A method of using a template to select a fusion plate for implanting onto a superior and inferior vertebral body having a graft implanted between a first intervertebral space comprising: (a) inserting a first distractor pin into the superior vertebral body and a second distractor pin into the inferior vertebrae; (b) engaging said distractor pins with a distractor; (c) compressing the intervertebral space and graft with the distractor; (d) providing a template comprising (i) a top section configured to be positioned on the superior vertebral body and comprising a first vertical slot adapted to receive the first distractor pin and that divides the top section into first and second upper corner areas, wherein at least one of the upper corner areas comprise a first holding pin aperture; (ii) a bottom section configured to be positioned on the inferior vertebral body and comprising a second vertical slot adapted to receive the second distractor pin and that divides the bottom section into first and second lower corner areas, wherein at least one of the lower corner areas comprises a second holding pin aperture; and (iii) a first window positioned between the top and bottom sections and adapted to be positioned over the first intervertebral space; (e) placing the template on the compressed superior and inferior vertebrae such that the first vertical slot receives the first distractor pin, the second vertical slot receives the second distractor pin, and the first window is positioned over the first intervertebral space; and (f) selecting a final fusion plate for implantation onto the superior and inferior vertebral bodies that comprises first and second screw holes aligned with the first and second holding pin apertures on the template.