A method for replacing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc in a
spinal column includes: removing the portion of the intervertebral disc
from the spinal column; and inserting an apparatus for replacing the
portion of the intervertebral disc into an intervertebral disc space
defined substantially between adjacent vertebral bones of the spinal
column, and positioning the apparatus between the vertebral bones,
wherein the apparatus is operable to permit the adjacent vertebral bones
to articulate relative to one another about at least one of: (i) a first
center of rotation for at least one of flexion and extension that is
located outside the intervertebral disc space, and (ii) a second center
of rotation for lateral bending that is located outside the
intervertebral disc space.