Fig. 3.

The peripheral cushion (the annulus) is securely fixed to the titanium alloy endplates by adhesion-molding technology. This attachment is reinforced by a peripheral groove without the addition of glue. The PCU annulus is stabilized by supplementary pegs located on the internal surface of both metal endplates. The cushioning and compressing effects are obtained on the one hand by the contactless interlocking of the male and female caps and, on the other hand, by crushing the annulus between the two metal plates