Implantable vertebral staples and tools for use with the same are disclosed. In general, an exemplary vertebral staple includes a staple body having at least one long spike formed thereon for allowing rotation of the body when the long spike is partially inserted in bone. The staple body can also include one or more short spikes formed thereon and adapted to prevent rotation of the body when the long and short spikes are fully inserted into bone.The present invention provides an inserter tool that can be used to implant the vertebral staple. In one embodiment, an inserter tool (100) for use with a vertebral staple (10) is disclosed which comprises an elongate shaft (102) having a proximal handle (104) and a distal end (102b) and a staple-engaging member (106) coupled to the elongate shaft and movable between an extended position and a retracted position in which opposed grasping arms (108, 110) are moved toward one another to engage a vertebral staple.A drill guide is also disclosed that can be used, preferably in combination with the inserter tool, to drill holes through the bone in alignment with one or more holes formed in the vertebral staple.
