Abstract: A surgical vertebral implant comprises a hollow rigid sphere having multiple fenestrations or openings leading to an interior cavity within which bone fragments can be positioned during surgery. It is useful in promoting arthrodesis (fusion) or arthroplasty (joint formation) between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The procedures for implantation require formation of complementary spherical bony recesses between adjacent vertebrate, placement of the spherical implant, positioning of bone fragments within the implant, and post-operative treatment of the patient consistent with the intended surgical result (fusion of joint formation).