Intervertebral implant, insertion tool and method of inserting same

In combination, an intervertebral implant and an insertion tool for inserting same,

• the implant comprising an upper part adapted to engage an adjacent vertebrae and a lower part adapted to engage an adjacent vertebrae,
• the upper and lower parts being in operative contact with each other so as to allow them universal movement relative to each other,
• each of the upper and lower parts having a raised keel on its surface for engaging the adjacent vertebrae, which keel is adapted to be received within its adjacent vertebrae through a cutout formed in the anterior of that vertebrae,
• each keel having a recess which has an anterior opening,
• and said insertion tool having a pair of arms, one engaging each recess through an anterior opening thereof, to thereby grasp the implant for insertion into the intervertebral space.

A method of inserting an intervertebral implant into an intervertebral space, comprising the steps of:

• providing a cutout in the two vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral space where the implant is to be inserted, said cutouts extending vertically into the vertebrae and open anteriorly,
• providing an implant having upper and lower parts adapted to engage adjacent vertebrae, which upper and lower parts are in operative engagement with each other to allow universal movement relative to each other and wherein each of the upper and lower parts has a raised keel with a recess formed therein which has an anterior opening,
• grasping the implant with an insertion tool that includes arms which are received in the recesses of the keels through the anterior openings thereof,
• inserting the insertion tool with the implant secured thereto such that the keels and arms move into the cutouts and the implant moves into the intervertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae,
• and removing the tool from the keels through the anterior openings thereof, leaving the implant in place between the adjacent vertebrae.