An intervertebral spinal disk replacement device which can be implanted
via a lateral approach includes a first end plate, a second end plate, an
articulating element and a limiter. The articulating element and limiter,
which are situated between the two end plates, are integral to the second
end plate. The articulating element with an articulating surface that is
slidably positioned on the support surface of the first end plate and the
limiter that protrudes from the upper surface of the second end plate,
with the limiter being confined with a cavity within the first end plate.
The degree of rotational movement of the first end plate relative to the
second end plate is determined by the range of motion the limiter
exhibits within the cavity. The implant may include keels that extend in
a lateral direction with respect to the vertebral bodies on which the end
plates abut.
