an intervertebral endoprosthesis comprising two closure plates and a sliding core arranged between the closure plates; and

an insertion instrument configured for inserting the intervertebral endoprosthesis between adjacent vertebrae, the insertion instrument comprising:

a handgrip part,

gripping members configured to clamp the closure plates therebetween in a clamping direction,

a hinge,

a force-receiving part for applying an insertion force to the intervertebral endoprosthesis,

a block guided in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion instrument, and an actuating device,

wherein the block is provided with an abutment surface and configured to be movable by the actuating device in a tensioning direction different from the clamping direction;

the hinge is configured to allow the gripping members to move toward and away from each other in the clamping direction to clamp and to release the intervertebral endoprosthesis:

either a projection or an interlocking recess is provided on the intervertebral endoprosthesis, and a corresponding interlocking recess or a corresponding projection is provided on at least one of the gripping members, the projection pointing in the clamping direction and being configured to provide a form-fit with the interlocking recess in the tensioning direction; the block is configured so as to bear on the intervertebral endoprosthesis and, in a forward position, so as to secure the intervertebral endoprosthesis in the tensioning direction against the form-fit of the projection and the interlocking recess; the insertion instrument is designed as forceps whose jaw parts from the gripping parts; and the actuating device is guided through the hinge.