A disk replacement endoprosthesis and a procedure for implantation of the endoprosthesis to treat pain, nerve root compression, and neural injury caused by degeneration or injury to vertebral disks. The endoprosthesis may include an intervertebral wedge or other body having a lead-in distractor. A fastening plate may be attached to the intervertebral wedge by a joint such that the first fastening plate may move from a first configuration in which the first fastening plate is in-line with the intervertebral wedge to facilitate insertion of the endoprosthesis to a second configuration in which the first fastening plate is in contact with an anterior surface of the inferior vertebral body for attachment thereto.