Artificial disc devices are disclosed that restore correct anatomical
intervertebral spacing for damaged discs while maintaining a
substantially normal range of biomechanical movement for the vertebrae
between which they are implanted. The disc devices include center bearing
and outer or annular bearing portions with the center bearing portion
including generally axially extending locating surfaces which cooperate
with the facing vertebral surfaces to resist migration. The outer bearing
portion is for load bearing or load sharing with the center bearing
portion and includes surfaces that extend radially toward the periphery
of the vertebrae so that subsidence about the center bearing portion is
minimized. Alternate forms of the disc devices include one with an
axially enlarged center ball bearing having an annular ring bearing
extending thereabout and another having upper and lower plate members
with a central bumper member and a surrounding resilient annular member
therebetween.