Instrumentation and methods for use in implanting a cervical disc replacement device

摘要

A method of replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc of an intervertebral disc space of a spinal column, the intervertebral disc space defined at least by respective endplates of first and second adjacent vertebral bones, the method comprising the steps of inserting at least one intervertebral disc replacement trial into the intervertebral disc space to distract same in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the spinal column and simultaneously inserting first and second members of an intervertebral disc replacement device into an intervertebral disc space of the spinal column. The method also comprising maintaining first and second articulation surfaces of the respective first and second members of an intervertebral disc replacement device as a single assembly by way of an insertion plate. This may include the use of an insertion handle that is adapted to detachably engage the insertion plate.