New York City-based Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital has become the first in the state to successfully implant a motion-sparing device as an alternative to lumbar spine fusions.
The implant, which treats patients with chronic back and leg pain, focuses on maintaining spinal stability and preserving motion.
Orthopedic spine surgeons Jonathan Oren, MD, and Peter Frelinghuysen, MD, performed the operation on a 63-year-old patient in September, according to a Dec. 27 press release sent to Becker's.
The FDA-approved TOPS system by Premia Spine replaces facet joints connecting two lumbar vertebrae in the L2 and L5 regions of the spine following decompression surgery to alleviate pain.
TOPS replaces spinal structures that are functioning incorrectly and stabilizes the spine with a system that allows the two affected vertebrae to continue moving normally, adding greater mobility.
During the 2.5-hour procedure, Dr. Oren and Dr. Frelinghuysen realigned and stabilized the patient's L4 and L5 vertebrae and decompressed the affected nerves. They then implanted the TOPS device, which allows for flexibility between the two vertebrae while holding the spine in place.
Within weeks of surgery, the patient reported no pain or mobility issues while walking several miles a day, according to the release.