Patent ID: 7594919

Claim:
An instrument for inserting an artificial disc, the artificial disc including a first component having a first protrusion with a first-protrusion width for extending into a portion of a first vertebral body and a second component having a second protrusion with a second-protrusion width for extending into a portion of a second vertebral body, the instrument comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a gripping device connected to the distal end, the gripping device further comprising: a first member adapted to engage the first component, the first member having a first width substantially equal to or less than the first-protrusion width such that the first member does not extend laterally beyond the first protrusion during insertion of the artificial disc; a second member adapted to engage the second component, the second member having a second width substantially equal to or less than the second-protrusion width such that the second member does not extend laterally beyond the second protrusion during insertion of the artificial disc; and a third member positioned at least partially between the first member and the second member, the first member movable with respect to the third member for movement between a first-component-engaged position for engaging the first component and a first-component-released position for releasing the first component, and the second member movable with respect to the third member for movement between a second-component-engaged position for engaging the second component and a second-component-released position for releasing the second component; wherein the first member, the second member, and the third member are portions of a single integral component.