Colorado Advanced Orthopedics now offers the TOPS™ System for spine surgery. CAO’s Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki is the only spine surgeon on the Western Slope who performs this innovative new procedure. The Total Posterior Spine (TOPS) System provides an effective alternative to spinal fusion surgery for patients dealing with conditions such as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. The TOPS System helps stabilize the spine while preserving range of motion, offering patients significant pain relief.
The TOPS System is an FDA-approved mechanical implant device used to replace bony elements and soft tissues removed as part of spinal decompression surgery. It is most commonly used to address the following conditions:
During the procedure, our spine surgeons will remove bony elements of your spine that are impinging on the nerves in the region. The TOPS system is then implanted to stabilize the spine and help establish a controlled range of motion. Unlike spinal fusion, which results in a loss of movement at the spine segment where surgery is performed, the TOPS system is able to preserve motion in the region. This prevents the additional stress and degeneration impacting adjoining areas of the spine, since they will no longer have to work harder to compensate for the lost motion in the surgical region.
The TOPS System allows for axial rotation, lateral bending, extension and flexion. This makes it possible for the segment of the spine treated with the implant to perform bending, twisting and straightening movements. Instead of permanently locking two vertebrae together as with spinal fusion, the TOPS System allows your spine to continue moving normally with the support of an implant that simultaneously facilitates normal motion while also prohibits excessive twisting and turning actions. This provides enhanced stability to your spine in addition to the pain relief you’re seeking.
The TOPS System offers a variety of important benefits, making it an effective and attractive alternative to spinal fusion surgery. Benefits of this new surgical system include:
Find out how spine surgery with the TOPS System can help you enjoy your favorite activities again
The TOPS System is typically used to address chronic pain associated with spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and facet joint arthrosis. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you are diagnosed with one of these conditions and experience one or more of the following symptoms:
In order to be a candidate for the procedure, you must also have relatively healthy bone structure in the damaged region. In addition, you must be free of other significant issues in the region such as a herniated disc or osteoporosis.
Find Out if You're a CandidateAt Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, we’re committed to delivering exceptional quality care that will restore a pain-free life and allow you to get back to enjoying your favorite activities. Offering innovative new treatments such as the TOPS System is one of the ways we make good on this commitment.
Our team contains some of the finest board-certified, Fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons on the Western Slope, allowing us to provide the same quality of treatment to our rural community that is typically only found in major metropolitan areas. One of our surgeons, Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki, is a spine specialist, and this allows us to perform the most cutting-edge spine surgery procedures available, including the TOPS System. When you work with CAO, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re receiving the latest and most advanced surgical solutions from some of the most highly trained surgeons in the area.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Colorado Advanced Orthopedics serves patients in Meeker, the White River Valley, Grand Junction and throughout the Western Slope.