Patent ID: 7037311

Claim:
In combination: an orthopedic implant having a recess; and a tool for gripping the orthopedic implant, comprising: a tool body, said tool body including an impaction surface at a proximal end thereof; a plurality of engagement members circumferentially disposed about a central axis, each of said engagement members having a fixed end secured to said tool body and extending freely to an opposite free end, said plurality of engagement members having a contracted position, said plurality of engagement members having an expanded position wherein at least one of said engagement members is resiliently deflected with said free end of said at least one engagement member displaced radially outwardly relative to said central axis, said fixed ends remaining in the same position relative to said tool body in both said contracted position and said expanded position; a biasing member biasingly engageable with said at least one engagement member wherein engagement of said biasing member with said at least one engagement member outwardly deflects said at least one engagement member and places said plurality of engagement members into said expanded position; and wherein said plurality of engagement members are adapted for insertion into the recess of the implant when in said contracted position and movement of said plurality of engagement members into said expanded position when positioned in the recess firmly engages said plurality of engagement members with the implant and secures the implant to said tool.