Insertion tool for inter-body vertebral prosthetic device with self-deploying screws

An apparatus for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis within a spine of a mammal, comprising:

• a handle disposed at a proximal end of the tool and including a drive nut operating to produce rotational torque in response to user-input;
• a main drive gear rotatable about a central axis, and coupled to, and receiving the rotational torque from, the drive nut;
• a first drive shaft including proximal and distal ends;
• the proximal end including a first pickup gear in meshed communication with the main drive gear, receiving rotational torque therefrom, and imparting rotational torque to the first drive shaft about a first axis, which is laterally offset from the central axis;
• and the distal end of the first drive shaft including a first drive head;
• a chuck disposed at the distal end of the tool and being sized and shaped to engage the intervertebral prosthesis during implantation,
• wherein the first drive shaft extends through the chuck such that the first drive head operates to engage a first gear of the intervertebral prosthesis, such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation and deployment of a first anchoring element of the intervertebral prosthesis.