Intervertebral implant having features for controlling angulation thereof

Abstract

An intervertebral implant includes a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, a ball shaped protuberance projecting from the inner surface and an annular groove surrounding the ball shaped protuberance. The implant includes a second plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, a curvate socket formed in the inner surface of the second plate and a raised rim surrounding the curvate socket. The first and second plates are assembled together so that the inner surfaces of the plates oppose one another and the ball shaped protuberance is disposed in the curvate socket and the annular groove aligned with the raised rim. The assembled first and second plates angulate and rotate relative to one another.

1 . An intervertebral implant comprising:
 a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, a ball shaped protuberance projecting from the inner surface and an annular groove surrounding the ball shaped protuberance, wherein a curved portion of the ball shaped protuberance has an axial bore;   a second plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, a curvate socket formed in the inner surface of said second plate and a raised rim surrounding the curvate socket;   said first and second plates being assembled together so that the inner surfaces of said plates oppose one another and with the ball shaped protuberance disposed in the curvate socket and the annular groove aligned with the raised rim, wherein the assembled first and second plates angulate and rotate relative to one another.