A spinal disc prosthetic for replacement of cervical and/or lumber discs,
that in each case allows a limited degree of rotational articulation, as
well as durability and resistance to fatigue. The prosthetic is formed
with three primary layers, including a superior (upper) plate, inferior
(lower) plate, and intermediate layer, in a sandwiched configuration. The
superior plate member is adapted to be secured on one side to an upper
vertebra in a spinal column, and has a formed concave side exposed
downwardly. The inferior plate member is adapted to be secured on one
side to a lower vertebra in the spinal column, and has a substantially
flat side exposed upwardly. The intermediate member is sandwiched between
the superior and inferior plate members with conforming sides, and a
short cylindrical post protrudes downward from the intermediate member
and is seated inside a circular recess in the inferior plate member to
center it and to maintain a predetermined spacing there between. This
allows a degree of rotational freedom. A variety of locking assemblies
lock the post in the recess to prevent withdrawal, thereby increasing
durability without obstructing the degree of freedom.