Instruments and method for preparing an intervertebral space for receiving an artificial disc implant

摘要

Instruments and methods are disclosed for preparing an intervertebral space for receiving an implant. An adjustable trial implant 51 has an adjustable stop mechanism 64 having a stop member connected thereto to vary the distance that a body portion of the trial implant 51 can move into the intervertebral space. Cutting tools for forming cutouts in the adjacent vertebrae use the trial implant 51 and/or a guide (not shown) to position a cutting tool which may be a burr or a chisel. The chisel cutting tool can be moveable relative to a selected trial implant 51 or the chisel cutting tools can be fixed onto a trial implant shaped body portion.