Intervertebral distractor and implant insertion instrument

Abstract

A distractor/guide sleeve assembly is provided which includes a body having a cylindrical throughbore and a distractor assembly mounted thereon. The distractor assembly includes a rotatable dial, a pair of distractor rods, and two pairs of jaws. A plate is secured to the distal end of each distractor rod. Each plate includes a plurality of cam members which are slidably positioned in cam slots formed in the jaws of each of the pairs of jaws. The dial is operably connected to the jaws via the distractor rods such that rotation of the dial effects movement of the pairs of jaws between approximated and distracted positions. An insertion tool is also provided which includes a handle and distal engaging structure for releasably engaging an implant. The engaging structure includes a pair of prongs or protrusions having a slip resistant outer surface. The prongs are configured to be releasably received within correspondingly shaped bores formed in an implant.

1 . An implant insertion tool comprising a handle, an elongated shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a head portion, the head portion including a pair of prongs, each prong extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.  
     
     
         2 . An implant insertion tool according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the prongs include a slip resistant surface.  
     
     
         3 . An implant insertion tool according to  claim 2 , wherein the slip resistant surface includes a plurality of ridges.  
     
     
         4 . An implant insertion tool according to  claim 3 , wherein each of the prongs is secured to a base member supported on the distal end of the elongated shaft, the base member having a face configured to abut against one end of an implant.