Intervertebral Spacer

Abstract

An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implantable insert system comprising:
 a surgical delivery instrument, said delivery instrument including a sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a first end of said sleeve configured to cooperate with an insert and a second end of said sleeve adapted to be manually controlled, and an arm having a longitudinal axis, said arm mounted on said sleeve, a first end of said arm configured to releasably engage said insert.   
     
     
         2 . The implantable insert system of  claim 1  wherein said sleeve includes a guide rail, said guide rail cooperating with engaging surfaces, each engaging surface formed on opposite sides of said arm to support said arm on said sleeve and to allow said sleeve to reciprocally move along its longitudinal axis relative to the arm 
     
     
         3 . The implantable insert system of  claim 1  wherein the first end of said sleeve has a curved surface that operatively mates with a curved portion of said insert. 
     
     
         4 . The implantable insert system of  claim 1  wherein the first end of said arm includes a recess that has a portion that is generally cylindrical in cross section and is configured to receive a post on said insert. 
     
     
         5 . The implantable insert system of  claim 1  wherein the first end of said sleeve has a corner portion that contacts a portion of said insert and imparts rotational movement to said insert. 
     
     
         6 . An implantable insert system comprising:
 a hand held surgical delivery instrument, said delivery instrument including a sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a first end of said sleeve having a corner portion configured to cooperate with an insert and a second end of said sleeve adapted to be manually controlled, and an arm having a longitudinal axis mounted on said sleeve, a first end of said arm includes a recess that has a portion that is generally cylindrical in cross section and is configured to receive a post on said insert, said recess configured to pivot and releasably engage said insert, said corner portion configured to contact a portion of said insert and impart rotational movement to said insert by said manual control.   
     
     
         7 . The implantable insert system of  claim 6  wherein said sleeve includes a guide rail, said guide rail cooperating with engaging surfaces, each engaging surface formed on opposite sides of said arm to support said arm on said sleeve and to allow said sleeve to reciprocally move along its longitudinal axis relative to the arm 
     
     
         8 . The implantable insert system of  claim 6  wherein the first end of said sleeve has a curved surface that operatively mates with a curved portion of said insert.