An instrument for penetrating an endplate of a vertebra having a first plate including a first endplate engaging surface and a second surface. The first endplate engaging surface and the second surface are oriented so as to face in opposing directions. The first plate has a plurality of extensions projecting from the first endplate engaging surface to form a first extension template. The first extension template includes a centrally disposed extension and at least one extension radially disposed about the centrally disposed extension. The first extension template is configured to penetrate an endplate surface of a first vertebra when advanced into the endplate surface of the first vertebra.
