Patent ID: 7670377

Claim:
An intervertebral implant comprising: an articulating unit further comprising; a first end plate with a first inner concave cylindrical surface; a second end plate with a second inner concave cylindrical surface opposing the first inner concave cylindrical surface; and an articulating element positioned between the first end plate and the second end plate, wherein the articulating element has four side walls and an upper convex cylindrical surface and a lower convex cylindrical surface oriented perpendicular to the upper convex cylindrical surface, wherein the upper convex cylindrical surface has an outer perimeter interfacing with all four side walls, wherein the lower convex cylindrical surface has an outer perimeter interfacing with all four side walls, wherein the upper convex cylindrical surface is adapted to fit at least partially in the first inner cylindrical surface and the lower convex cylindrical surface is adapted to fit at least partially in the second inner cylindrical surface; and an attachment mechanism adapted to engage an adjacent vertebral body, wherein the attachment mechanism extends from the articulating unit along a lateral direction with respect to the vertebral body.