An intervertebral implant (10) and associated insertion instrument. The intervertebral implant includes an instrument engagement interface including first and second channels (26) extending along opposite sides (20,22) of the implant forwardly from a trailing end wall of the implant and a positioning projection (30) extending rearward from the trailing end wall of the implant. The insertion instrument includes a grasping mechanism (150) for engagement with the instrument engagement interface (40). The grasping mechanism (150) includes first and second jaws (152,154) including grasping portions (162,164) positionable in the first and second channels (26) and an enlarged opening (170) defined between the first and second jaws (152,154) for receiving the positioning projection (30) therein.
