A system for implanting an interbody device between adjacent vertebrae comprisesan interbody device having a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from a longitudinalrib, and having a relaxed shape approximating the shape of the disc being replaced.An insertion guide is provided having a bore therein from a proximal end to a distalend thereof to accept said interbody device in an unrelaxed shape, wherein saiddistal end is shaped for insertion into an intervertebral space. The insertionrod may be positioned within said bore of said insertion guide whereby said interbodydevice is positioned within said intervertebral space by advancing said insertionrod into said insertion guide.
