Instrumentation for implanting an intervertebral disc replacement device includes at least one retaining clip comprising a body member having a first side, a hook flange extending from the body member for clipping retention of the first side of the body member against the flange of the intervertebral disc replacement device and at least one lateral flange extending from the body member, partially received over a portion of the bone screw to prevent the bone screw from backing out of the at least one bone screw hole. The invention also comprises a prepackaged, sterile retaining clip assembly for an intervertebral disc replacement device, comprising an applicator having first and second applicator arms, each of the first and second applicator arms extending in substantially the same direction out from a common bending elbow for retaining one or more retaining clips.