Patent ID: 8663229

Claim:
An instrument configured to prepare an intervertebral space that is defined between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, the instrument comprising: a trial implant of a size corresponding to an actual intervertebral implant, the trial implant having a main portion that is configured to be disposed in the intervertebral space when the trial implant is fully inserted into the intervertebral space, the main portion having a rear and a front that is spaced from the rear along a direction of insertion into the intervertebral space, the trial implant shaped to fit in the intervertebral space, the trial implant including a tail section that is attached to the main portion and extends rearwardly from the main portion, the tail section defining a rear end that is spaced from the rear of the main portion along a direction opposite the direction of insertion so as to be disposed outside the intervertebral space when the trial implant is fully inserted into the intervertebral space, a holding device configured to be attached to the trial implant so as to hold the trial implant, and the trial implant defining a path sized to receive a bone cutting tool while the holding device is attached to the trial implant, wherein the path is oriented and positioned with respect to the trial implant such that the path is configured to guide the bone cutting tool toward one of the first or second vertebrae such that the bone cutting tool forms an opening in at least one of the first or second vertebrae when the trial implant is at least partially disposed in the intervertebral space.