Lumbar spine conditions can be very painful and debilitating. In some cases, surgery is the only option to cure the condition. In this blog post, we will discuss three lumbar spine conditions that require surgery. We will also discuss the TopSTM spinal motion medical implant, which may be a good option for you if you are considering surgery.
What is a Lumbar Spine Condition?
It is important to understand what a lumbar spine condition is. According to Hopkins Medicine, “Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of your back. Stenosis, which means narrowing, can cause pressure on your spinal cord or the nerves that go from your spinal cord to your muscles.
Spinal stenosis can happen in any part of your spine but is most common in the lower back.”
Three Lumbar Spine conditions that Require Surgery
Three lumbar spine conditions that require surgery include spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and spondylolisthesis.
Spinal Stenosis
As mentioned earlier, spinal stenosis is the most common lumbar spine condition that requires surgery. According to the Mayo Clinic, “spinal stenosis occurs when the space within your spinal canal-the hollow area in the center of your spine-narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. The condition most often affects people who are over age 50.”
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is a common cause of back pain. A herniated disc is a
- Rupture of the fibrous outer casing of the disc.
- Allows the soft, central portion to bulge out.
- The bulging disc can press on nerve roots as they leave the spinal cord
- Causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected leg or arm.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is the forward movement of one vertebra with respect to another. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Spondylolisthesis usually occurs near the base of your spine in an area called the lumbar region.”
Spondylolisthesis can cause back pain and leg pain which can be severe. It is a common source of disability among athletes, especially gymnasts.
Tops™ Spinal Motion Medical Implant
The TOPS™ Spinal Motion Medical IMplant is an alternative to surgery for lumbar spine conditions that require surgery. The TOPS™ implant is a dynamic stabilization system that restores normal motion to the spine. It is made up of two titanium plates and four screws. The titanium plates are designed to mimic the movement of the vertebrae, and the screws hold the plates in place.
How Does the TopS™ Implant Work?
The TOPS™ implant works by restoring normal motion to the lumbar spine. The implant mimics the movement of the vertebrae, which helps to stabilize the spine and reduce pain. The titanium plates are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
Benefits
- Procedure stabilizes the lumbar spine and reestablishes a controlled range of movement
- Patients regain their ability to bend, flex, walk, and enjoy the normal activities of life.
- Patients experience immediate and sustained pain relief.
Clinical studies conducted since 2005 show the TOPS System alleviates persistent leg and low back pain for patients with moderate to severe spinal stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis (a slipped disc) and facet arthrosis (bone spurs).
Range of Motion with TOPS™
Allows range motion in all directions including:
- Flexion
- Extension
- Lateral bending
- Axial Rotation
At the same time, it also blocks shear forces, which are naturally exerted on the lower spine and can be detrimental, especially for patients who already have a slipped disc or spondylolisthesis. This cannot be achieved with a decompression-only procedure or with an interspinous or interlaminar device.
Candidates
Candidates for the TOPS™ lumbar motion medical implant include those who have been diagnosed with one of the following lumbar spine conditions: spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or spondylolisthesis. If you are considering surgery for a lumbar spine condition, the TOPS™ implant may be a good option for you.
Do I need surgery?
The TOPS™ implant may be a good option for those who are not candidates for surgery or who want to avoid surgery.
The TOPS System has been shown in multiple clinical studies to provide immediate and sustained pain relief for patients with moderate to severe spinal stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis (a slipped disc) and facet arthrosis (bone spurs).
However, as mentioned above, there are lumbar spine conditions that can be only cured with surgery. It is important you speak to your Doctor and find a fit that works best for you.
Choosing A Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon may be difficult; however, it is important that you do your research and find a surgeon who has experience with the TOPS™ implant. If you are in need of a spine surgeon, check out our locator tool to find a doctor near you.
Recovery Time
The recovery time varies from patient to patient; however, most patients can return home on the same day as the procedure.
Physical Therapy
It is important that you follow your physical therapy instructions to ensure a successful recovery. Most patients require 12 weeks of post-operative physical therapy.
Summary
There are lumbar spine conditions that require surgery. We displayed examples of Spinal Stenosis, Herniated discs, and Spondylolisthesis, as well as how surgery may be required.
TOPS™ offers a spinal motion medical implant that may allow you to avoid the surgery and restore motion back to your lumbar spine. Using advanced technology and mimicking the vertebrae movement, TOPS is designed to be long-lasting and durable. There are many benefits to using the implant such as pain relief, regained range of motion, and immediate satisfaction.
The TOPS™ is an alternative to surgery for some patients, but it is important that you consult with your doctor to see if TOPS™ may be a good option for you.
If surgery is required, TOPS offers a lumbar motion medical implant as an alternative.
It is important that you do your research and find a surgeon who has experience with the TOPS™ implant. If you are in need of a spine surgeon, check out our locator tool to find a doctor near you.
