An implant insertion device and its method of use, the device having a pair of opposing elongated blades retained by a housing. The distal ends of the blades are adapted to be inserted into the vertebral interspace. The housing comprises an internally threaded bore. An insertion rod having an elongated threaded rod passes through the housing and between the blades, whereby rotation of the insertion rod relative to the housing causes it to advance within the housing. An implant is temporarily mounted to the end of the insertion rod. As the insertion rod is advanced, the implant forces the distal ends of the blades apart such that proper placement of the implant in the intervertebral space is readily achieved. Once the implant is properly positioned free of the blades, the device is removed.
