A method of replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc of an
intervertebral disc space of a spinal column, the intervertebral disc
space defined at least by respective endplates of first and second
adjacent vertebral bones, the method comprising the steps of inserting at
least one intervertebral disc replacement trial into the intervertebral
disc space to distract same in a direction along a longitudinal axis of
the spinal column and simultaneously inserting first and second members
of an intervertebral disc replacement device into an intervertebral disc
space of the spinal column. The method also comprising maintaining first
and second articulation surfaces of the respective first and second
members of an intervertebral disc replacement device as a single assembly
by way of an insertion plate. This may include the use of an insertion
handle that is adapted to detachably engage the insertion plate.