Importance

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Abstract

Barriers are used to hold prosthetic components, including intradiscal devices, in position while allowing natural movement within a 'safe zone.' In the preferred embodiments, the barrier is in the form of a 'buttress' plate coupled to a controlled linkage that prevents the device from moving into a dangerous position. The movable member(s) allow an intradiscal device to move through a safe zone while permitting mobile artificial disc replacements (ADRs) or other intradiscal devices to self-center with movement of the vertebrae. The link member(s) broadly serve as a 'tether' to prevent extrusion of the intradiscal device into the spinal canal, or outside of the disc space. The intradiscal device may be mobile, or attached to one or both of the vertebral endplates. Other mechanisms to accommodate the movable link members are also disclosed. The plates are preferably constructed of metal, but the invention is not limited in terms of the biocompatible material(s) used for the plate or link members.

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First Claim