Instruments and interbody spinal implants enhancing disc space distraction

An apparatus for distracting a disc space having an annulus, the apparatus comprising:

• a spinal implant having:
• (a) a pre-determined size sufficient to balance frictional fit in the disc space and elongation of the annulus,
• (b) a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, and opposing anterior and posterior portions defining a substantially hollow center and a single vertical aperture, the single vertical aperture (i) extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, (ii) having a size and shape predetermined to maximize the surface area of the top surface and the bottom surface available proximate the anterior and posterior portions while maximizing both radiographic visualization and access to the substantially hollow center, and (iii) defining a transverse rim of varying width, and
• (c) at least one of the opposing anterior and posterior portions presenting a substantially flat impact face including an opening with an instrument retention feature;
• an instrument able to engage and manipulate the spinal implant, the instrument having:
• (a) a handle,
• (b) a rigid shaft, and
• (c) an impact head with a substantially flat impact face and a projection, the impact face contacting the impact face of the spinal implant and the projection being inserted into the opening of the impact face of the spinal implant when the instrument engages the spinal implant;
• a size-specific rasp adapted to clear the disc space of all soft tissue and cartilage, the instrument able to engage and manipulate the rasp;
• and
• a plurality of distractors of progressively increasing heights adapted to distract the disc space before use of the spinal implant, the instrument able to engage and manipulate the distractors.