Methods and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion

A surgical instrument for distracting a spinal disc space, comprising:

• a first distractor having a first shaft and a first distractor tip extending from said first shaft, said first distractor tip including opposite first and second surfaces defining a first distraction height and including a recessed area extending between said first and second surfaces;
• a second distractor having a second shaft and a second distractor tip extending from said second shaft, said second distractor tip including opposite first and second surfaces defining a second distraction height substantially equal to said first distraction height;
• and
• a guide sleeve having a wall defining a working channel, wherein said first and second distractors are received in said working channel of said guide sleeve.

A method for distracting a spinal disc space, comprising:

• gaining access to the disc space;
• providing a first distractor having a first distractor tip with a recessed area extending along its length;
• providing a second distractor having a second distractor tip;
• positioning the second distractor adjacent the first distractor with the second distractor tip at least partially received in the recessed area;
• and
• inserting the distractor tips into the disc space to distract the disc space.