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.