Abstract: A tool for inserting a spinal implant is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with a handle end, an inserter end having an opening, and a curved portion located between the handle end and the inserter end. A driveshaft with an actuator extends within the tube so that the actuator is proximate to the opening. A knob is attached to the handle end and the driveshaft, wherein turning the knob rotates the actuator. Methods of utilizing the tool, as well as variations of the tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for inserting a spinal implant is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with a handle end, an inserter end having an opening, and a curved portion located between the handle end and the inserter end. A driveshaft with an actuator extends within the tube so that the actuator is proximate to the opening. A knob is attached to the handle end and the driveshaft, wherein turning the knob rotates the actuator. Methods of utilizing the tool, as well as variations of the tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for inserting a spinal implant is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with a handle end, an inserter end having an opening, and a curved portion located between the handle end and the inserter end. A driveshaft with an actuator extends within the tube so that the actuator is proximate to the opening. A knob is attached to the handle end and the driveshaft, wherein turning the knob rotates the actuator. Methods of utilizing the tool, as well as variations of the tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for inserting a spinal implant is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with a handle end, an inserter end having an opening, and a curved portion located between the handle end and the inserter end. A driveshaft with an actuator extends within the tube so that the actuator is proximate to the opening. A knob is attached to the handle end and the driveshaft, wherein turning the knob rotates the actuator. Methods of utilizing the tool, as well as variations of the tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable pin drill guide and method for using an adjustable pin drill guide to prepare a vertebral body space to receive an implant are disclosed. The method includes providing an adjustable pin drill guide, producing a gap by removing tissue between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body, inserting into the gap first and second extensions of the guide in a first position, moving the first extension and the second extension to a second position, drilling a first hole in the first vertebral body through a first opening in the guide, drilling a second hole in the second vertebral body through a second opening in the guide, placing a first pin into the first hole, and placing a second pin into the second hole. The first and second extensions are preferably in parallel planes when in the first and second positions.

Abstract: A dynamic distractor is described for distracting an intervertebral space and determining a size of an artificial intervertebral disc to be implanted in the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An adjustable pin drill guide and method for using an adjustable pin drill guide to prepare a vertebral body space to receive an implant are disclosed. The method includes providing an adjustable pin drill guide, producing a gap by removing tissue between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body, inserting into the gap first and second extensions of the guide in a first position, moving the first extension and the second extension to a second position, drilling a first hole in the first vertebral body through a first opening in the guide, drilling a second hole in the second vertebral body through a second opening in the guide, placing a first pin into the first hole, and placing a second pin into the second hole. The first and second extensions are preferably in parallel planes when in the first and second positions.

Abstract: A dynamic distractor is described for distracting an intervertebral space and determining a size of an artificial intervertebral disc to be implanted in the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.