TOPS™ System (Prod 151207)

Lumbar spine facet joint replacement device intended to stabilize the spine while preserving motion after lumbar decompression surgeryThe TOPS™ System is a mechanical device that is housed between two titanium plates, which allows axial rotation, lateral bending, extension, and flexion. The implant facilitates bending, straightening and twisting movements at the affected segment of the spine while blocking excessive posterior and anterior sagittal translation. The TOPS™ System effectively replaces the anatomical structures, such as the lamina or the facet joint that are removed from the vertebrae during the spinal decompression treatment to alleviate pain. For example, the internal metal stoppers replace the natural bony elements that served as stoppers during axial rotation. The boot and internal components take the place of the supraspinous ligament, interspinous ligament, and ligamentumflavum in their ability to help control flexion. The internal metal stoppers replace the natural bony elements that served as stoppers during axial rotation. As with spinal fusion devices, the TOPS System is anchored to the spine with four standard polyaxial pedicle screws and is implanted via a traditional posterior surgical approach. However, the TOPS System’s unique patented crossbar configuration exerts less force on the screws than typical fusion implant devices place on their fasteners.