Intervertebral implant, insertion tool and method of inserting same

In combination, an intervertebral implant and a handling instrument, the combination comprising:

• the implant including:
• an upper part having an upper surface that is configured and adapted to engage a first vertebra that is spaced from a second vertebra so as to define an intervertebral space therebetween;
• and
• a lower part pivotally coupled to the upper part such that the upper and lower parts are pivotally movable relative to each other, the lower part having a lower surface that is configured and adapted to engage the second vertebra, wherein each of the upper part and lower part defines a trailing end and a leading end that is spaced from the trailing end along an insertion direction into the intervertebral space;
• the upper part including an upper keel extending along the insertion direction and that includes first and second side walls that each extend out from the upper surface such that when the implant is inserted into the intervertebral space, the upper keel is positioned at least partially within a cutout formed in the upper vertebra, the upper keel having a length along the insertion direction and a width along a lateral direction, the lateral direction being perpendicular to the insertion direction and substantially parallel to the upper surface, the length of the upper keel being greater than the width of the upper keel;
• and
• the lower part including a lower keel extending along the insertion direction and that includes first and second side walls that each extend out from the lower surface such that when the implant is inserted into the intervertebral space, the lower keel is positioned at least partially within a cutout formed in the lower vertebra;
• wherein the implant includes an upper recess partially defined by the side walls of the upper keel, and a lower recess partially defined by the side walls of the lower keel, and the upper and lower recesses extend into their respective keels along the insertion direction;
• and
• the handling instrument including:
• an upper arm and a lower arm that are configured to be inserted into the upper and lower recesses, respectively, along the insertion direction such that the handling instrument holds the implant during insertion of the implant into the intervertebral space.