Abstract: An orthopaedic stem inserter grips and inserts a prosthetic implant having a stem into a prepared opening in a bone. A handle includes a housing, a rotating knob connected to a first end of the housing, and an elongate element connected to the knob and extending through the housing to a second end of the housing. A body includes a pair of jaws, with each jaw being configured to grip the implant. One of the jaws is movable in directions toward and away from the other jaw. A geared rack is connected with the movable jaw. A first gear is connected with the rack, and a second gear is connected with the elongate element and selectively enmeshes with the first gear. A quick release lever is pivotally attached to the handle and has an engaging portion which engages the second gear. The quick release lever moves the second gear toward and away from the first gear upon pivotal movement relative to the handle and thereby respectively enmeshes and demeshes the first and second gears.