Intervertebral prosthetic joint

An intervertebral prosthetic joint, comprising:

• a first articular component adapted to engage a first vertebra and including a projection;
• and
• a second articular component adapted to engage a second vertebra and including a recess, at least a portion of said projection being disposed within said recess to permit articulating motion between said first and second components;
• and
• wherein at least one of said projection and said recess defines at least one cavity configured to facilitate removal of matter disposed between said projection and said recess.

An intervertebral prosthetic joint, comprising:

• a first articular component having a bearing surface adapted to engage a first vertebra;
• and
• a second articular component having a bearing surface adapted to engage a second vertebra;
• and
• wherein each of said first and second articular components includes a flange extending from said bearing surface and configured to penetrate a corresponding one of the first and second vertebrae, said flange defining at least one opening therethrough to permit bone growth through said flange.

An intervertebral prosthetic joint, comprising:

• a first articular component including means for engaging a first vertebra;
• and
• a second articular component including means for engaging a second vertebra;
• and
• wherein said first and second articular components include surface means for permitting articulating motion therebetween, said surface means including means for removing matter disposed between abutting portions of said first and second articular components.