Device and method for inserting, positioning and removing an implant

A device for use with a bone implant comprising:

• a head having an outer surface;
• a channel through the head, the channel having a longitudinal axis;
• a slot intersecting the channel and the outer surface of the head,
• a shaft having a proximal end and distal end, the distal end of the shaft is operatively connected to the head;
• and
• a locking mechanism having at least two states, a first state wherein the locking mechanism permits the shaft to pivot with respect to the head and a second state wherein the locking mechanism prevents the shaft from pivoting with respect to the head.

A device for impacting, positioning and removing a bone implant, comprising:

• a head;
• a channel through the head;
• a shaft having at least a threaded portion, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the shaft operatively connected to the head to permit pivoting of the head with respect to the shaft;
• and
• a locking member having an internally threaded portion, the locking member moveable from a first position wherein the locking member permits the shaft to pivot with respect to the head to a second position where the threaded portion of the locking member engages the threaded portion of the shaft to position the locking member in contact with the head and prevent the shaft from pivoting with respect to the head.

A method of moving an implant relative to bone comprising:

• attaching an inserter having a guide to the implant;
• providing a device comprising:
• an impacting body;
• a channel through the impacting body;
• a shaft having a proximal end and distal end, the distal end of the shaft is operatively connected to the impacting body;
• and
• a locking mechanism operatively associated with the shaft, wherein the locking mechanism has at least two states, a first state wherein the locking mechanism permits the shaft to pivot with respect to the impacting body and a second state wherein the locking mechanism prevents the shaft from pivoting with respect to the impacting body;
• positioning the impacting body on the guide of the inserter;
• and
• reciprocating the impacting body on the guide of the inserter.