An implanted intervertebral prosthesis includes first and second
components adapted to attach to a first vertebra and a second vertebra,
respectively, that define an intervertebral space. The prosthesis
includes a first anchor structure on the first component adapted to enter
a grove formed in the first vertebra, and a second anchor structure on
the second component adapted to enter a grove formed in the second
vertebra. The first anchor structure is offset from the second anchor
structure to provide separation of the grooves to preserve vertebral
thickness and avoid vertebral splitting. The offset anchor structures can
be symmetrically disposed about a midline of the prosthesis or
asymmetrically disposed about the midline. In some embodiments, the
offset anchor structures comprise elongate anchors shaped as fins or
keels. In other embodiments, the offset anchor structures comprise rows
of pillars disposed in rows.