One embodiment of the present application includes a spinal disk
prosthesis with one end portion to form a load transmitting relationship
with one vertebra of a patient's spine and another end portion to form a
load transmitting relationship with another vertebra of the patient's
spine. A tube connects the end portions together and a damping material
is positioned inside the tube. The end portions each include a magnet to
generate a corresponding magnetic field. These magnetic fields are
oriented to provide a repulsive force between the end portions to provide
a magnetic bearing.