Importance

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Abstract

An intervertebral spacer formed of dense cancellous human or animal bone is provided. In one preferred embodiment, the intervertebral spacer includes at least one bore which is dimensioned to receive a plug formed from cortical bone tissue. The cortical bone plug provides increased mechanical strength to the intervertebral spacer. Instrumentation for gauging the size of an intervertebral receiving bed and for grasping and inserting an intervertebral spacer or implant into an intervertebral receiving bed are also provided. These instruments include a spacer trial or set of spacer trials for determining the appropriate size spacer required for a particular surgical procedure, a spacer introducer for grasping and positioning a spacer at least partially within a receiving bed formed in the intervertebral space, and a bone tamp for driving a spacer into the receiving bed. Any one or all of these instruments may be provided in a kit for inserting an implant into the intervertebral space. The kit may also include one or more intervertebral spacers or implants.

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First Claim