The TOPS device, for lumbar facet arthroplasty, is more cost-effective compared to a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion when addressing degenerative spondylolisthesis and stenosis, according to a study published in The Spine Journal.
Researchers used a Markov model to simulate outcomes and costs of patients receiving the TOPS device or a TLIF over two years. The analysis found TOPS was "a cost-effective and economically dominant surgical treatment option for patients with lumbar stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis compared to TLIF in all scenarios examined."
The study found a continued longitudinal improvement for cost-effectiveness with the TOPS device compared to TLIF, according to a Feb. 8 news release from Premia Spine, which develops the device.
TOPS is Premia Spine's flagship device and earned the CE mark in the European Union. The new study was part of an FDA investigational device exemption trial.