Importance

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Abstract

An insertion tool for a C-shaped bone spinal wedge shaped intervertebral implant comprises an outer shank with a hollow core in which is placed a shaft with a threaded stud which passes through a bore in the shank at an implant insertion end of the shank. A flat extension member defines a plane and extends from the shank overlying the stud, the stud for receiving a threaded bore of the spinal implant. The shaft has a knob distal the stud for rotatably attaching the stud to the implant. The extension member abuts the implant at mating flat surfaces which are spaced by a medial recess formed by a portion of the medullary canal of a long bone. A cap slides over the shank at an end opposite the extension member to capture the shaft in the shank core. A guide rod is attached to a collar on the shank normal to the plane of the extension member to assist the surgeon in orienting the implant to the disc space orientation during insertion of the implant. The extension member prevents rotation of the implant and in some implementations may absorb insertion stresses to minimize damage to the implant during insertion.

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First Claim