An artificial intervertebral disc including housing members including
spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer
surfaces for engaging spaced apart intervertebral surfaces;
self-adjusting bearing mechanisms operatively disposed between the inner
surfaces for moving relative to the housing members to adjust and
compensate for vertebral disc motion; and positioning ring for
controlling motion and position of the bearing mechanisms and for
absorption of compressive loads. An artificial intervertebral disc
including housing members having an oval recess on the inner surfaces;
oval bearing mechanisms operatively disposed within the oval recess
between the inner surfaces for moving relative to the housing members to
adjust and compensate for vertebral disc motion; and oval positioning
ring. A spring member for an artificial intervertebral disc including a
substantially annular body having an axially extended bore therethrough
defining a passageway.