Abstract: Devices and methods for inserting implants for treatment of spinal tissue reduce the profile of the implant for purposes of delivery, permitting delivery of larger implant retention structures, while tending to reduce trauma to tissue and to permit precise axial and lateral positioning of the implant and/or an associated retention structure. Other advantageous features according to the present invention may include delivery of an implant while maintaining at least a substantial portion of low-column-strength portions of the implant in tension, reconfiguring the implant to permit insertion through a diameter significantly smaller than an operative dimension of the implant when in a retention configuration following insertion, and an ability to maneuver, i.e.