Importance

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Abstract

Instrumentation for implanting an intervertebral disc replacement device includes an insertion plate comprising a base, a first mounting element of the base operable to engage a first member of an intervertebral disc replacement device and a second mounting element of the base operable to engage a second member of the intervertebral disc replacement device, the first and second mounting elements cooperating to engage and orient the first and second members of the intervertebral disc replacement device for simultaneous insertion into an intervertebral disc space of a spinal column. The invention also comprises a method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column, comprising the steps of removing the portion of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column and simultaneously inserting first and second members of an intervertebral disc replacement device into an intervertebral disc space of the spinal column, the first and second members being engageable with and operable to permit adjacent vertebral bones defining the intervertebral disc space to articulate with respect to one another, and the first and second members being detachably coupled to an insertion plate that is operable to orient the first and second members with respect to one another for such insertion.

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First Claim