Patent ID: 7806933

Claim:
A motion-preserving implant device comprising: a first plate comprising an outer surface for engaging with a first bone and an inner surface including both a plurality of first discrete recessed surfaces and a concave articulation surface, the plurality of first recessed surfaces spaced outwardly apart from the concave articulation surface in a circumscribing relationship therewith; a second plate for engaging with a second bone, the second plate comprising a plurality of second discrete recessed surfaces; a convex articulation member positioned entirely between the two plates and in direct and slidable contact with the concave articulation surface; a plurality of separate and spaced motion-controlling members each extending between an opposing pair of the first and second recessed surfaces, wherein the articulation member is separate from and stiffer than the motion-controlling members; and an elongated member connected to and joining the plurality of motion-controlling members, the elongated member extending between adjacent motion controlling members in a manner that maintains the spacing of the spaced motion controlling members.