Extra-Articular Implantable Mechanical Energy Absorbing Assemblies and Methods

An implantable assembly for manipulating energy transferred by members defining an anatomical joint, the members collectively defining a path of motion, said assembly comprising:

• a first component configured to be attached to a first member of the anatomical joint;
• a second component configured to be attached to a second member of the anatomical joint;
• and
• a hydraulic mechanism joining said first and second components;
• wherein said hydraulic mechanism includes a first enclosed chamber having at least one elastomeric wall, a second rigid chamber, fluid contained within at least one of said first and second chambers, and a piston sealed with respect to said second rigid chamber and slidable relative thereto, wherein said piston member slides relative to said rigid chamber and said mechanism absorbs energy transferred by said members of the anatomical joint when said first component is attached to said first member and said second component is attached to said second member and a distance between locations of attachment of said first and second components becomes smaller then a predefined distance between said locations.