What Is the TOPS Procedure and How Does It Treat Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that significantly impacts your quality of life, causing back pain, limited mobility, and reduced independence. If you’ve been diagnosed with spinal stenosis and are exploring treatment options, the TOPS procedure may be a solution. The TOPS procedure is an innovative surgical technique offering hope for patients looking to restore their mobility and relieve chronic discomfort.
St. Charles Spine Institute in Thousand Oaks, California, performs the TOPS procedure for suitable patients who have been unable to obtain relief from alternative treatment methods. But what does that procedure entail, and how can it provide relief? Let’s take a closer look at how the TOPS procedure works and the benefits it can provide.
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is when the space that surrounds the spinal cord becomes narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. It can cause pain, a tingling sensation, numbness, and weakness. It usually affects the lumbar (lower) spine region and is often caused by degeneration from:
- Herniated Discs: Between individual discs in your spinal column, there is a soft material that cushions the bones like a shock absorber. When that soft material within a spinal disc bulges out, or herniates, it can compress nearby nerves.
- Bone Spurs: These growths may develop due to arthritis and further narrow the spinal canal.
- Thickened Ligaments: Ligaments are tissue that connect bones to other bones. When the ligaments that hold the spine together thicken over time, it can lead to stenosis.
Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include:
- Pain in the lumbar region, legs, and/or buttocks
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
- Relief from the sensation when sitting or leaning forward
When non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections don’t provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. That’s where undergoing the TOPS procedure can provide a better alternative.
What Is the TOPS Procedure?
The TOPS (Total Posterior Spine) procedure is a surgical solution for lumbar spinal stenosis and related conditions, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis (often called a “slipped disc,” in which one vertebra, or spinal bone, slips out of alignment with an adjacent vertebra). It is designed to relieve nerve compression while maintaining mobility in the affected spine segment. Unlike a traditional spinal fusion treatment, which fuses vertebrae together and eliminates movement in the treated area, the TOPS system preserves natural motion and flexibility.
The TOPS procedure involves replacing the diseased or damaged tissues with an implant device that stabilizes the area while allowing movement. This device is made of medical-grade titanium and polycarbonate urethane components.
The TOPS procedure involves making an incision in the affected area of the spine and removing the vertebral tissues causing the nerve compression. Then, the TOPS implant is placed where the damaged tissue was removed. It is a flexible device that allows natural motion comparable to the removed vertebrae, such as flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. After the implant is secured, the incision is closed. Though it is an invasive procedure, it typically results in less recovery time compared to fusion surgery.
Benefits of the TOPS Procedure
The TOPS procedure offers several key advantages over traditional spinal fusion, including:
1. Preserved Mobility
Unlike fusion, which locks the treated spinal segment in place, the TOPS system allows for natural movement in the lower back, leading to improved overall function and the potential to lead a more active lifestyle following recovery.
2. Reduced Adjacent Segment Disease
Spinal fusion can place extra stress on the segments above and below the fused area, leading to wear and tear over time. The TOPS procedure reduces this risk by preserving motion, minimizing the likelihood of additional degeneration.
3. Effective Pain Relief
By decompressing the pinched spinal nerves and stabilizing the spine, the TOPS implant can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis.
4. Faster Recovery
Patients undergoing the TOPS procedure usually experience shorter recovery times and less postoperative pain compared to the traditional treatment of fusion surgery.
5. Improved Quality of Life
With reduced pain, preserved mobility, and faster recovery, many patients can return to daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
Contact St. Charles Spine Institute to Learn More
The TOPS procedure is a revolutionary treatment option for spinal stenosis offering pain relief and restored mobility without the limitations and drawbacks of spinal fusion. By preserving motion and stabilizing the spine, this advanced surgical technique allows patients to regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of spinal stenosis and want to explore whether the TOPS procedure is suitable for you, the team at St. Charles Spine is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.