Apparatus and methods for inserting an implant

An instrument for inserting an implant, comprising:

• a first ramp including a first vertebral contact surface and having a first longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof;
• a second ramp including a second vertebral contact surface and having a second longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof, the first and second ramps defining an angle between the first and second ramps;
• a first mechanism engaging the first and second ramps, the first mechanism configured to maintain the angle between the first and second ramps;
• and
• a second mechanism including a rod having a first end coupled to a handle and a second end releasably attachable to the implant, the implant configured to cooperate with longitudinal advancement and retraction of the rod when attached to the rod,
• an elongate member having a lumen extending therethrough such that the rod is longitudinally translatable in the lumen,
• the second mechanism operable to advance the implant between the ramps toward the distal ends of the first and second ramps such that a distance between the first and second ramps increases as the implant is moved distally, the first mechanism maintaining the angle between the first and second ramps as the first and second ramps separate during distal advancement of the implant.

A method for inserting an implant into an intervertebral cavity between adjacent vertebral bodies, the method comprising:

• coupling the implant to an implant insertion instrument, the insertion instrument including:
• a first ramp having a first longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof;
• a second ramp having a second longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof, the first and second ramps defining an angle therebetween;
• a rod having a first end coupled to a handle and a second end releasably attachable to the implant, the implant configured to cooperate with longitudinal advancement and retraction of the rod when attached to the rod;
• an elongate member having a lumen extending therethrough such that the rod is longitudinally translatable in the lumen;
• a mechanism for maintaining the angle between the first and second ramps;
• inserting respective vertebral contact surfaces of the first and second ramps into an intervertebral space;
• and
• advancing the rod through the lumen of the elongate member to advance the implant between the first and second ramps such that a distance between the first and second ramps increases as the implant is moved distally and the first and second ramps separate to distract the vertebral bodies, the mechanism for maintaining the angle between the first and second ramps holding the angle constant as the first and second ramps separate.