Artificial disc replacement (ADR) components cooperate to limit axial
rotation and/or lateral bending to a greater degree when the spine is
extended than when the spine is a neutral to flexed position, thereby
decreasing loads placed upon the facet joints. In the preferred
embodiment, truncated articulating surfaces with non-articulating side
surfaces allow increasing amounts of axial rotation and lateral bending
as the total disc replacement (TDR) moves from full extension to full
flexion. Limiting axial rotation and lateral bending of the TDR protects
the facet joints and the Annulus Fibrosus, since the facet joints carry
more load when the spine is extended than when the spine is flexed. Thus
the invention serves to protect the facet joints while allowing normal or
near-normal spinal motion.