| abstract |
Devices and methods to insert a prosthetic implant (20) into an intervertebral disc space. The device may comprise pivotally connected channel members (31, 32 41, 42) and a locking mechanism (43) pivotally connected to the channel members. The locking mechanism may comprise a latch (45) that engages a slot (35, 46) in the sidewalls of a channel member to at least partially cover an open side of the channel members and lock the channel members in place . A prosthetic implant may be loaded into the channel members in a relaxed configuration and then unfolded to an implantation configuration by pivoting the channel members . |