Spinal implant inserter utilizing offset striking arms

A method of inserting a spinal implant into a desired implantation position between two adjacent vertebral bodies, the two adjacent vertebral bodies defining a disc space of a patient, the method comprising:

• utilizing a spinal implant insertion apparatus, the insertion apparatus comprising:
• an elongated inserter, the inserter including a proximal end, and a distal end, a non-movable portion extending from the distal end to the proximal end, a non-movable portion extending from the proximal end to the intermediate position, a movable portion extending from the distal end to an intermediate position intermediate the proximal end and the distal end, the movable portion and the non-movable portion being movably engaged to one another proximate the intermediate position;
• an implant securing device defined at the distal end, the implant securing device being configured to secure the spinal implant to the inserter, the spinal implant defining an axis therethrough, the axis being offset from a desired path of travel into the desired implantation position while the implant is secured in the securing device and positioned in a pre-implantation position, the pre-implantation position being one of proximate the disc space and within the disc space;
• a striking arm, the striking arm having a first end and a second end, one of the first and second ends being attached to the inserter, the other of the first and second ends defining a connector;
• and
• a slap hammer, the slap hammer including a shaft, the shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an attachment portion defined at the distal end, the attachment portion configured to engage the connector on the striking arm;
• wherein application of a force to the slap harmer moves the slap hammer in a direction substantially corresponding to the desired path of travel, the force being translated via the striking arm and the inserter to the implant, thereby moving the axis of the implant into the desired path of travel;
• preparing the patient's disc space;
• securing the implant with the securing device;
• moving the implant holder and the implant to the pre-implantation position;
• positioning the slap hammer in a position proximate the disc space with the shaft generally aligned with the desired path of travel;
• attaching the connector on the striking arm to the attachment portion of the slap hammer;
• applying the force to the slap hammer, the force moving the shaft and the attachment portion in a direction substantially corresponding to the desired path of travel;
• moving the second end of the striking arm with respect to the shaft of the slap hammer;
• moving the first end of the striking arm;
• and
• transferring motion from the striking arm to the inserter and to the securing device;
• wherein the motion to the securing device moves the implant along the desired path of travel into the desired implantation position between the two adjacent vertebral bodies.