Devices and methods are provided for replacing a spinal disc, and in
particular devices and methods are provided that rely on buckling to
control movement of adjacent vertebrae. In one embodiment, an artificial
disc replacement implant is provided and includes an implantable body
having a superior surface adapted to be positioned adjacent to an
endplate of a superior vertebra, and an opposite inferior surface adapted
to be positioned adjacent to an endplate of an adjacent inferior
vertebrae. The implantable body includes at least one wall formed therein
and extending between the superior and inferior surfaces. The wall(s) can
be adapted such that, when the implantable body is disposed between the
endplates of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae, the wall(s) will
buckle by moving laterally and shorting in height under a load applied
thereto by movement of the adjacent vertebrae. The implantable body can
also include at least one opening formed adjacent to the wall(s) and
extending between the superior and inferior surfaces of the implantable
body.