An implant inserter device having an outer collar, an inner sleeve slidably and rotatably received within the outer collar, and a push rod slidably received within the inner sleeve. The outer collar has at least one cammed surface formed on an interior surface thereof, while the inner sleeve has at least one rib projecting outwardly from an exterior surface thereof. The rib is releasably engageable with the cammed surface when the inner sleeve is rotated relative to the outer collar. As a result, a distal end of the inner sleeve collapses from an undeformed position, in which the inner sleeve does not grip an implant housed therein, and a deformed position, in which the inner sleeve grips the implant. The push rod is movable between an extended position and a retracted position for urging the implant through and from the inner sleeve for insertion into a defect in damaged cartilage and bone.