Abstract: An anterior method for implanting an artificial disc in an intervertebral space of a human body includes inserting a midline marker in a face of a vertebral body for instrument alignment and artificial disc placement. A kit for implanting an artificial disc in an intervertebral space of a human body includes site preparation instruments, artificial disc insertion instruments, and a midline marker for guiding the artificial disc insertion instruments into a prepared intervertebral space. Also included are a verification instrument, a midline marker, a midline marker insertion instrument, an endplate shaping device, a distraction instrument, a trial insertion instrument, an endplate insertion instrument, a core insertion instrument, and a trial spacer head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus assisting safe one-handed insertion of an implant. An implant implantation device has a frame which includes a trigger mechanism, an outer sleeve mechanically coupled to the frame, an inner shaft having a grabber for mechanically engaging an implant, the inner shaft slidably disposed within the outer sleeve, and a retaining element disposed over the inner shaft for directing the grabber toward a closed position. An implant clip has a first member, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, a first implant holder pivotally coupled to the first member, the coupling causing the implant clip to have a closed position and an open position, and a second implant holder, the second implant holder pivotally coupled to the second member, a surface of the first implant holder and a surface of the second implant holder remaining substantially parallel to each other while the first member and the second member pivot between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: An anterior method for implanting an artificial disc in an intervertebral space of a human body includes inserting a midline marker in a face of a vertebral body for instrument alignment and artificial disc placement. A kit for implanting an artificial disc in an intervertebral space of a human body includes site preparation instruments, artificial disc insertion instruments, and a midline marker for guiding the artificial disc insertion instruments into a prepared intervertebral space. Also included are a verification instrument, a midline marker, a midline marker insertion instrument, an endplate shaping device, a distraction instrument, a trial insertion instrument, an endplate insertion instrument, a core insertion instrument, and a trial spacer head.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a surgical instrument is provided which includes a receiving component having a longitudinal axis, a modular tip configured to be coupled in a rigid manner to the receiving component in two or less orientations, and a locking mechanism for securing the tip to the receiving component. A method for attaching a modular tip to a surgical instrument is also provided that includes actuating a locking mechanism, inserting a mating component of a modular tip into a receiving component by moving the mating component in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the receiving component, or by rotating the mating component relative to the receiving component, or a combination thereof, and releasing the locking mechanism to secure the tip to the receiving component.

Abstract: A medical instrument impacting tool that is useful for mating to a medical instrument used during spinal surgery is provided. The impacting tool is effective to apply a force to the medical instrument to efficiently and effectively prepare a bone structure, insert or remove a trial implant, insert or remove an implant, or to remove a medical instrument positioned between adjacent bone structures. In general, the medical instrument impacting tool includes a hollow tube, a handle slidably disposed around the tube, and a mass connected to the handle and slidably disposed within the tube.

Abstract: A medical instrument impacting tool that is useful for mating to a medical instrument used during spinal surgery is provided. The impacting tool is effective to apply a force to the medical instrument to efficiently and effectively prepare a bone structure, insert or remove a trial implant, insert or remove an implant, or to remove a medical instrument positioned between adjacent bone structures. In general, the medical instrument impacting tool includes a hollow tube, a handle slidably disposed around the tube, and a mass connected to the handle and slidably disposed within the tube.