Lumbar composite nucleus

A prosthetic device for insertion into an intervertebral space comprising:

• a first endplate component comprising a first vertebral body contact surface and a first interior surface;
• a second endplate component comprising a second vertebral body contact surface and a second interior surface;
• and
• an articulating central body component interposed between the first interior surface and the second interior surface to permit motion between the first and second endplate components,
• wherein the articulating central body component comprises a mechanical compression component, the mechanical compression component permits compression of the first and second endplate components depending on the load force exerted on the first and second vertebral body contact surfaces.

A system for replacing an intervertebral disc, the system comprising:

• a first endplate component for engaging a first vertebral body;
• a second endplate component for engaging a second vertebral body;
• and
• an articulating central body component extending between the first and second endplate components, the articulating central body component comprising a mechanical compression component,
• wherein the articulating central body component provides motion between the first endplate component and the second endplate component.

A method for installing a prosthetic device between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body, the method comprising:

• providing a first endplate component for engaging a first vertebral body;
• providing a second endplate component for engaging a second vertebral body;
• providing an articulating central body component comprising a mechanical compression component;
• and
• inserting the articulating central body component between the first endplate component and the second endplate component, wherein the articulating central body component comprises a first and second end cap component, the first end cap component articulates with the first endplate component and the second end cap component articulates with the second endplate component.