An intervertebral disc prosthesis in a preferred embodiment has a matrix
of bioincorporable fabric, and a nuclear core centrally mixed into the
matrix. The core is formed by impregnating the fabric substrate centrally
with a polymer, preferably of liquid form that cures into a viscoelastic
solid, in which each component--polymer and fabric--reinforces the other
against tearing, shearing and weakening under stress. The core is a
hybrid composite adapted for elastic deformation centrally of the matrix,
in which the polymer is mixed with the fabric, and is surrounded by the
outer bioincorporable fabric margin of the matrix. In another embodiment,
the nuclear core is separated from an outer sheath of the bioincorporable
fabric by an intermediate ligament encasement that surrounds the purely
polymeric core In either embodiment, each edge of the outer fabric that
interfaces a vertebral end plate is impregnated with an agent to
stimulate osseus incorporation and anchoring. An adjunct anchoring system
with penetration of bone of adjacent vertebra may be used to for
attachment until and after bioincorporation occurs.