Spinal prosthesis having a three bar linkage for motion preservation and dynamic stabilization of the spine

摘要

A dynamic spinal stabilization linkage for use in stabilizing of the spine. The linkage connects adjacent vertebrae to provide load-sharing and stabilization while allowing natural kinematics. The linkage comprises three rigid bodies joined in series with 3-degree-of-freedom spherical joint between each body. The joints have range-of-motion constraints which limit undesirable intervertebral motion.