Instrumentation and methods for use in implanting a cervical disc replacement device

An apparatus for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column, comprising:

• first and second members of an intervertebral disc replacement device;
• an insertion plate detachably coupled to each of the first and second members to orient them for simultaneous insertion into an intervertebral disc space defined by respective endplates of first and second vertebral bones of the spinal column;
• and
• an insertion handle including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and an engagement member disposed at the distal end of the shaft, the engagement member being operable to detachably engage the insertion plate in order to manipulate the first and second members such that they may be at least one of inserted into and moved within the intervertebral disc space without substantially changing their orientation with respect to one another.

A method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a spinal column, comprising the steps of:

• removing the portion of the intervertebral disc from the spinal column;
• and
• manipulating an insertion handle that is detachably engaged with an insertion plate that is coupled to first and second members of an intervertebral disc replacement device such that the first and second members may be simultaneously inserted into an intervertebral disc space of the spinal column,
• wherein the first and second members are engageable with and operable to permit the vertebral bones to articulate with respect to one another.