The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for replacing
intervertebral disc material and controlling relative motion between
adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral implant may have at least
one end plate and an intermediate component which slides into engagement
with the end plate. The intermediate component may be engageable with the
end plate from an anterior approach, or a right or left lateral approach.
The intermediate component can be a set of bearing surfaces which
articulate to provide relative motion between two vertebral bodies, an
elastic insert which deforms to provide motion between two vertebral
bodies, or a rigid insert which prevents relative motion between two
vertebral bodies. The intermediate component is replaceable with a
different intermediate component which provides a different function. The
present invention also provides one or more retaining members which snap
into engagement with the end plate and secure the intermediate component
to the end plate.