Parallel jaw inserter

A system comprising:

• an expandable implant movable between a contracted position and an expanded position, the expandable implant comprising:
• an expandable body extending from a proximal end to a distal end in a proximal-to-distal direction and extending from a first lateral side to a second lateral side in a widthwise direction, the expandable body being defined by a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are hingedly connected;
• the superior endplate comprising a first core having screw slot and a distal engagement surface;
• the inferior endplate comprising a second core having a proximal engagement surface;
• and
• a locking screw movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
• and
• a surgical tool configured for moving the expandable implant from the contracted position to the expanded position and for rotating the locking screw between the locked position and the unlocked position, the surgical tool being configured to simultaneously rotate the locking screw into the locked position while supporting the expandable implant in the expanded position,
• the surgical tool comprising:
• an inserter portion configured to couple to and uncouple from the expandable implant, the inserter portion having a rotation knob handle, a cam twist grip, and a non-rotating jaw and a rotating jaw configured to expand the expandable implant, wherein a hollow shaft extends longitudinally through the inserter portion;
• and
• a drive portion disposed within the hollow shaft of the inserter portion, the drive portion having a drive shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including a drive portion configured to engage with the locking screw, and the proximal end including a drive actuator for rotating the drive shaft,
• wherein actuation of the rotation knob handle spreads the rotating jaw and the non-rotating jaw apart from one another in a vertical direction thereby pivotally expanding the expandable implant, and
• wherein actuation of the cam twist grip spreads the rotating jaw and the non-rotating jaw apart from one another in a horizontal direction transverse to the vertical direction.