An intervertebral disc prosthesis is adapted for implantation between first and second vertebral endplates. The prosthesis comprises a first endplate assembly for engaging the first vertebral endplate. The first endplate assembly has a concave first inner surface. The prosthesis further comprises a second endplate assembly for engaging the second vertebral endplate. The second endplate assembly has a concave second inner surface. The prosthesis further comprises a core component extending between the first and second inner surfaces and adapted to move relative to the concave first and second inner surfaces. The core component includes a flexible body extending between first and second end surfaces such that the end surfaces are not contiguous. The first and second end surfaces have a hardness greater than the flexible body.
