Implants and instruments with flexible features

An intervertebral implant comprising:

• a superior surface;
• an inferior surface opposite the superior surface;
• a trailing surface extending between the superior surface and the inferior surface;
• a leading surface opposite the trailing surface;
• and
• a first opening defining a first pathway extending from the trailing surface to the superior surface or the inferior surface and sized for receipt of a fastener, the first opening being bound by a first inner surface including a first deformable surface region, the first deformable surface region having a base portion and a contact portion extending from the base portion, the contact portion being positioned within the first opening,
• wherein the first deformable surface region is disposed on the first inner surface such that a first portion of the first inner surface separates the first deformable surface region from the trailing surface and a second portion, opposite the first portion, of the first inner surface separates the first deformable surface region from the superior surface or the inferior surface,
• wherein the contact portion of the first deformable surface region is configured such that the contact portion deforms when the fastener is inserted into the first opening, the first deformable surface region allowing for further advancement of the fastener but the first deformable surface region preventing back out of the fastener, and
• wherein a length of the base portion of the first deformable surface region is oriented along a central linear longitudinal axis of the first pathway and the base portion has a surface that faces the central longitudinal axis of the first pathway, wherein the surface is substantially flush with the first portion.

An intervertebral implant comprising:

• a superior surface;
• an inferior surface opposite the superior surface;
• a trailing surface extending between the superior surface and the inferior surface;
• a leading surface opposite the trailing surface;
• and
• a fastener opening defining a pathway extending from the trailing surface to the superior surface or the inferior surface, the fastener opening being bound by an inner surface, the fastener opening including an arm with a length extending from a base to a free end, the free end being closer to the trailing surface than the base,
• wherein the arm is disposed on the inner surface such that a first portion of the inner surface separates the arm from the trailing surface and a second portion of the inner surface, opposite the first portion, separates the arm from the superior surface or the inferior surface,
• wherein the arm is adapted to deform when a force is applied to the arm, the fastener opening being adapted for further advancement of a fastener beyond the free end of the arm but the arm preventing back out of the fastener, and
• wherein a portion of the arm adjacent to the base has a surface facing a linear longitudinal axis of the pathway, wherein the surface is substantially flush with the first portion.