New Spine Surgery for Spinal Stenosis and More
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A breakthrough in spine surgery was achieved by the Nuvance Health neurosurgery team on September 5, 2023, at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut. Fellowship-trained neurosurgeon Dr. Joshua Marcus successfully performed the first joint replacement spine surgery using the Total Posterior Spine Surgery (TOPS™) System.
TOPS offers an innovative alternative to spinal fusion surgery for individuals with spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and related lower back conditions. This procedure aims to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of these conditions, stabilize the spine, and maintain a normal range of motion without necessitating spinal fusion.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, typically due to osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. Spondylolisthesis happens when a vertebra slips forward. Both conditions can pressure nerves in the lower back, causing pain, numbness, and leg weakness.
Previously, spinal fusion surgery was the primary surgical option to relieve symptoms of stenosis or spondylolisthesis. During this procedure, surgeons alleviate pressure on the nerves and then fuse the vertebrae together to prevent movement, potentially affecting the back’s range of motion but improving life quality by stabilizing the spine.
Spinal fusion remains a viable option for those needing more stability due to age-related issues, traumatic injuries, or instability post-operation. However, TOPS offers an alternative by relieving symptoms while allowing vertebrae to move normally.
The TOPS device assists flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation, maintaining spinal mobility and reducing pressure on other spine areas, potentially preventing future complications unlike spinal fusion which may overburden adjacent spinal levels.
"We're thrilled to offer a new surgical option for those with stenosis or spondylolisthesis that helps them regain normal movement without pain," Dr. Marcus stated. "Our ultimate aim is to enable patients to resume the activities they found difficult before surgery."
Clarence Shrack, a 61-year-old from New Milford, was the first to undergo TOPS in Connecticut. After suffering from pain for one-and-a-half years, he described his experience: "The sharp pain radiated down my lower back to my right knee, similar to a toothache in my leg—ridiculous! It was tough to walk and even sit. My independence suffered and my wife had to assist me with chores."
Clarence pursued the joint replacement option because of his physical lifestyle, including car repairs, home renovations, road trips, camping, and dog walking. Post-surgery, he said, "The leg pain vanished immediately. Weeks after, I feel like dancing! Despite years of back issues, I now have better range of motion and flexibility than before the surgery."
TOPS could be suitable for individuals aged 35 to 80 with moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis or degenerative spondylolisthesis. Symptoms include lower back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or radiating leg pain unrelieved by medications, heat or ice, or physical therapy.
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Nuvance Health neurosurgeons continue to lead spine care advancements. Earlier this year, Danbury Hospital pioneered Connecticut's first robotic prone lateral surgery for spinal stenosis and disc herniation, notable for shorter surgery times, reduced radiation, and quicker recoveries.
TOPS surgery is now available at Danbury Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, and Vassar Brothers Medical Center under Nuvance Health.
A revolutionary lower back procedure can now stabilize spine health and preserve motion without fusing vertebrae. The first patient to undergo this surgery in Connecticut shared, "I have regained my life."
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