Refuse to Fuse.
Choose to Move.

“My kid gets married August 1st. Guess what? I’m going to dance at his wedding. Prior to this, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to be there all night.

I’ve had multiple accidents. Even with the injuries, nothing stopped me. I was very active, deep woods camping, fishing, kayaking, I coached football for 10 years.

Five years ago, it changed. I couldn’t do anything anymore except work. Life changed for the worst. I was googling and found TOPS and Dr. Roland Kent. And if there was an opportunity to get a device that was going to preserve motion, yeah, not even a choice.

15 days after surgery I was walking almost two miles. I can’t explain. I can feel my legs again. Before the surgery, the neuropathy was in the bottoms of my feet, and I haven’t felt the bottoms of my feet for three years. My life is back. I’m looking forward to everything again and then some. Whatever I want. I’m not going to be limited.”

“Over 4 years ago, I started having back issues. I’m an avid golfer. I took a lot of measures to try to get better, but I was never pain-free. I was having trouble walking, doing stairs, anything that would jar my back.

I was up and walking the day of the surgery. Post-op day 5, I was getting up and down from the bed and chair on my own.  Week 6 my doctor said, “You can go back to life as usual. Your incision is completely healed. The TOPS device is doing what it’s supposed to do.”

Week 8, I had my first round of golf. I was super excited. Since then, I’ve gone to Scotland to play golf. If you would have told me 7 months ago that I would be going to Scotland to play golf, I’d have said, “You’re out of your mind.” I had no ability to walk 18 or even 9 holes.

We’ve just had our first grandchild. I would not have been able to pick him up 6 months ago. I can hold him now and watch him grow up. TOPS has given me back my life.”

“This back deterioration was so thorough, it made me retire early. It affected my spiritual life, and it affected relationships with the grandkids. If I moved, I was on a walker. I saw myself probably finishing up life right there.

What amazed me was, in the hospital the next morning, waking up, they said “In the hall, start walking.” I said, “You can’t do that with fusion.” You can’t do anything else out there and walking. And they aggressively wanted you to walk. All I could say is three months I was up and did my first fishing trip. I was amazed.”

“I had so much pain in my legs. I could barely walk. I couldn’t lift my grandchildren anymore. That full mobility. That’s what I wanted also. Right away after TOPS I could walk around the house, and I had no pain in my legs. We really like to go to the mountains in Tennessee, and we love to hike when we’re in the mountains. And I was able to go on the hike up the mountain and back down without any problem at all. So that was amazing.”

“I ended up in tears every day. Every day. We have horses. I like to ride a lot. When I saw the TOPS device, I could see the difference between that and having a regular fusion. At the moment I woke up, I did not have any pain going down my leg whatsoever. I’m back into riding horses and taking care of the farm when we’re there. You kind of go from like so low, and then like, being high. Because you’re just like, wow. You wake up every day. I’m like, “Look at me. I can get out of bed.” And, you know, I’m not in agony. I can walk to the bathroom and not be crippled while I’m doing it.”

“I just was so frustrated. I just felt like I was functioning through life just to get by without pain. I just needed my quality of life back. With the TOPS device, I did like the fact that it seemed more flexible and movable as like natural motion of the spine. A few weeks out into my recovery period, my quality of life was so much better. And I was like, “Oh my gosh, I can walk and I’m not feeling any pain.” I just, I’m having this, I cry. [laughter] Having the surgery was truly a life changer.”

“One year after surgery and some therapy, I am relatively pain free and have essentially the same range of motion that I had before my back problems and the TOPS and decompression surgery. Recovery was fairly easy. No braces were necessary. I was back doing most everything that I wanted to do after six months.

Recovery is a lot easier than going through a fusion. Other doctors recommended a double fusion. The TOPS procedure and adjacent decompressions have relieved my problems.”

“I was extremely afraid of getting fusion surgery. I worked for pain management doctors before, and many patients still had pain and discomfort after fusion surgery. I wanted to be able to bend and move freely. I had the TOPS procedure with Dr. John Houten. It has given me the ability to travel again. The pain I had in my legs is gone.

Do your homework. Review the TOPS procedure and compare it to the fusion surgery. I was walking and climbing stairs with assistance after 2 days. Fusion surgery limits movements, and recovery is slower. The recovery from the TOPS procedure was simple and easy. I am happy with my decision.”

“Before TOPS surgery my feet were numb, I could not sit for extended periods, walking up an incline was difficult. I was unable to enjoy everyday activities. After TOPS, almost immediately the discomfort was gone. I regained flexibility. The numbness in my feet abated and I was able to sit without discomfort. I feel I have regained at least 95%, if not more, of my life. I can do most anything I had done prior to the problems that came with my spondylolisthesis.

I had TOPS surgery in June of 2025 with Dr. Jared Ament. Because there is no fusion with TOPS, the results are immediate. There was no need for PT, and the main recovery was the surgery site. I climbed the stairs the day of the surgery & was walking the next day.

I performed improv on stage in Long Beach, CA, rode Space Mountain at Disneyland and sat in a Corvette at the Los Angeles Auto Show. I couldn’t sit in a Corvette prior to TOPS.

The investment in gaining your life back is worth the cost and some surgery discomfort.”

“I have been pain-free and able to get back to regular activities, such as golf and pickleball. The recovery was quick. I was able to walk about 2 miles a day at 4 weeks after surgery.”

“It’s my one-year anniversary after my TOPS surgery with Dr. Roland Kent and I’m doing and feeling great! I have lost 35lbs since the surgery and feel physically fit. I’m back in the gym and doing the things I enjoy that I thought I may never get to again.

TOPS and my surgeon have given me my life back! Snowmobiling at Crater Lake, and a motorcycle weekend to Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Hunting elk has been my passion for over 20 years, and it feels incredible to be back in the Deschutes National Forest again.

Thank you so much for your innovative device.”

“TOPS has had a tremendously positive impact on my life. I was really struggling physically and mentally. The pain in my lower back and back of my legs, along with my foot going numb, was getting so bad that I found my daily activities frustrating and difficult to power through.

I have always been a very active and strong woman. I have a physically demanding job as well as an avid skier and tennis player. Prior, I was physically fit, weight training and walking several miles a day. Since all these activities were becoming so difficult, I was feeling frustrated and depressed. When the approval came through, I had tears of joy.

Once recovery started and the surgical pain lessened, I knew I was going to be OK! After 6 weeks, my surgeon, family and friends said how much better I looked and sounded. I am now 8 months post-op & doing very well! I went back to tennis, weight training, and I can do my job and daily activities.”

“Prior to surgery, I could only walk about 1,200 steps and stand for about 5 minutes before my leg started going numb and I would have to sit down and rest. After surgery I did the prescribed rehab and was able to walk 3 miles without resting in practically no time at all. The surgery gave me my life back. It eliminated problems that I had been dealing with for more than 20 years. Get it done!”

“I had the surgery October 2025 with Dr. Byron Davidson. Doing great!! Prior to surgery, you could clearly see in my MRI’s the spondylolisthesis and stenosis. In the post-surgery x-rays, the area of stenosis is totally open and the vertebrae are stabilized. I sat in on probably half dozen webinars and found them very helpful.

I’m doing great!! These skiing photos are 5 months post TOPS surgery. No problems! I am so pleased I did my research and am sold on the TOPS procedure!”

“Having a TOPS procedure has been wonderful for me! It has allowed me to avoid a spinal fusion and has given me the opportunity to do things I love to do! I’m very active, and I can now move normally without pain or fear of further damage. My surgery was in May of 2024 with Dr. James Lindley of Savannah, Georgia

I am able to do everything I want to do as far as activities and sports. I’m very active.

If you are a candidate for TOPS, take my advice and do it! I’ve never regretted it.”

“I am very happy with the TOPS procedure with Dr. Joshua Marcus. This experience has truly transformed my quality of life. When I woke up after surgery and felt the absence of pain, a sense of relief washed over me. The transition from constant discomfort to freedom of movement was surreal.

Simple joys like walking on the beach, hiking scenic trails across various states, and anticipating dancing at my son’s upcoming wedding became vivid possibilities rather than distant dreams. The contrast between my former limitations and my current vitality is truly remarkable, & I cherish every moment.

Having worked with many patients who underwent spinal fusion, I’ve seen firsthand how TOPS offers a faster recovery and maintains the spine’s natural mobility. I truly believe that preserving motion through procedures like TOPS aligns with the way the spine is meant to function, making it a better choice for those seeking long-term quality of life.”

“I had spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis for over 10 years. I couldn’t walk 100 yards without going completely numb in both hips down to my toes.

This surgery was life-changing! I walked pain free in the hospital the night after the surgery. I have returned to normal pain-free activity, playing pickleball and golf. I was able to play pickleball 6 weeks after my surgery and have been playing 3-4 days a week with no back pain. I am also back to playing golf with no swing restrictions.

The TOPS surgery literally gave me back my active lifestyle again. The surgery was 100% successful and I recommend it to anyone with the same symptoms. No fusion! TOPS surgery was a miracle. If you qualify for TOPS, it will change your life!”

“I had pain down my legs and into my tail bones, and my legs would get weak.

I met three surgeons, and they all wanted to fuse. I had an elderly friend who had fusion and convinced me not to go that direction. I witnessed the pain he still had. So, I googled “back surgery options” and found TOPS.

My surgeon described exactly what was going to be done, I was given hope to live without pain!

After TOPS surgery, I healed and started rehab exercises. By 6 months, I was pain free, and I could touch my toes again. I was able to hike trails in Montana in Yellowstone National Park with my two older kids this past September as well as walking 3-4 times a week!”

“I had spinal stenosis at L4-L5. I was at a point that my legs would give out, and I had constant leg pain and numbness. My quality of life had totally changed. I couldn’t walk my dogs or go shopping.

I am a retired ER nurse and have seen many patients and friends/family who had fusions. So many had continued pain, and many had repeat surgeries. The quality of their lives had not improved significantly, and I did not want to have a fusion due to what I had seen. So, I did my research, looking for something different, something new that would help my situation.

I am doing so well. Now, I walk 3 miles and go to the gym. I am back to doing my daily routine, walking dogs, working in the yard, and living life. Today is 8 months since my surgery with Dr. Jared Ament. I am so thankful for TOPS.”

“It has been 10 months since surgery. I was walking the day after surgery without the back pain that had become part of my life. Since then, I have built myself back up to walking, jogging, swimming, and even playing golf all without the pain that had become my constant companion. The picture is of me splitting wood this morning. I still have some tingling and numbness in my feet as the nerves haven’t completely regenerated, but there is still time. Even if that never happens, the ability to be active again is very welcome.

I wanted to get this surgery because of my concerns with deterioration of adjacent levels and considerably lower flexibility that occur with a spinal fusion. It is my hope that the TOPS surgery and getting back to a more normal range of motion will reduce this. I have been pleased with the results and my ability to return to an active lifestyle! I am very happy that I got the TOPS spinal surgery!”

“Lower back pain was virtually gone by the first morning after surgery. I could easily walk the next morning, and I could stand by myself in just a few days. I was able to do light work in my wood shop. I still had to work through the pain from the surgery, which took less than 2 weeks. I have a renewed ability to play with my great grand kid and work on various landscape projects that I was incapable of doing before the surgery.

I tell everyone that asks what a wonderful option the TOPS procedure is to fusion.  The TOPS procedure with Dr. James Cole has changed my life for the better. Do it!”

“I highly recommend the TOPS implant. My post-surgery recovery was quick. To me, TOPS is the way to go. The recovery time was minimal and pain free.”

“I had stenosis and a pinched nerve that would make my legs get hot and my feet go numb. The doctor had to fight insurance for me to get the TOPS device. Now I’m back to living a normal life. I enjoy being pain free. I can walk distances again and not worry about needing to sit down and rest. I participate in a weekly yoga class and do work around the house. I doing upgrades and repairs. I enjoy fishing and traveling. I can now walk long distances. I can’t remember the last time I was able to do that. TOPS is life changing with very few side effects.”

“The TOPS surgery is absolutely amazing. I fought for two years with three insurance companies to get this procedure done at Mayo Clinic from Dr. Brett Freedman in December 2025. It works so well, costs less than a fusion, and restores health and the quality of life. I went biking this week in Huntington Beach California, biking 10 miles 4 months after the surgery! It’s a miracle, it’s amazing! Now I can exercise, walk, bike swim!!!

Everyone I meet has a back problem or know someone that does. They are all amazed by the TOPS System and I have shared it in with people in many states, including Minnesota, Colorado, California, Ohio, Texas, and on social media. I am a firm advocate! There are so many people that don’t know about this. Everyone should know about this for themselves or their loved ones!”

“I was a candidate for TOPS because of the grade of spondylolisthesis I had. I found Dr. Steven DeLuca through the Premia Spine website, who was the first doctor to do this surgery in the United States. He was local to me! It was a smooth transition with my insurance too. I had so much pain before this surgery.  I am now 9 months post-op. Recovery was slow, and I still have a bit to go before its 100%.

Movement is medicine and I got stronger with Pilates.  I played a round of golf on Tuesday! After playing, I was not in pain as I used to be before this surgery. I remember trying to golf in April of 2025 and I just cried in pain after 3 swings. I didn’t play again until May 5, 2026.

Thanks to a S1-L4 fusion with TOPS at L4-L5 I am pain free and looking forward to the future with no likelihood of adjacent joint disease. I feel I can do anything. I’m very grateful. I’m living life, biking, golfing and exercising.”

Surgeons explain that fusion stops motion at one spinal level, increasing stress above and below. TOPS helps preserve motion at the treated segment, which may reduce adjacent segment disease and future degeneration.

Surgeons explain that TOPS patients often recover faster than fusion patients, with earlier return to activity and shorter hospital stays. Fusion recovery may take longer because bone must grow and mature across the fused segment.

Surgeons explain that prior spinal surgery does not rule out TOPS. Patients who previously had decompression or laminectomy may still be candidates if they meet the appropriate clinical criteria.

Commercial insurance coverage for the TOPS procedure is improving, but approvals still vary by payer and plan. Surgeons discuss current challenges, appeal pathways, peer-to-peer reviews, and how support resources can help patients navigate the process.

Surgeons explain that spinal fusion eliminates motion at the treated level, while TOPS is designed to preserve motion and support more natural spine mechanics. TOPS may also be converted to fusion if needed.

Surgeons discuss how TOPS patients may need less pain medication after surgery compared with fusion patients. Because TOPS does not require fusion, some patients may avoid opioids entirely and use anti-inflammatory medications instead.

Surgeons featured in this video include:

Paul R Johnson, MD, Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, Pewaukee, WI

Jonathan Parish, MD, Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine, Charlotte, NC

Medicare coverage for the TOPS procedure is generally more straightforward than commercial insurance. Surgeons explain that Medicare Advantage patients may still face issues with insurance, but appeals can often help resolve denials.

Commercial insurance coverage for the TOPS procedure is improving, but approvals still vary by payer and plan. Surgeons discuss current challenges, appeal pathways, peer-to-peer reviews, and how support resources can help patients navigate the process.

Surgeons featured in this video include:

Steve Robbins, MD, Wisconsin Bone and Joint. Milwaukee, WI

Vikas Patel, MD, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO

Joshua Marcus, MD, Elite Brain & Spine, Danbury, CT

Jonathan Oren, MD, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY

Clinical trials showed TOPS patients had significantly better success rates than fusion patients. Surgeons highlight two-year results, FDA conclusions, and improved good-to-excellent outcomes when the correct patient selection criteria are met.

Surgeons discuss returning to full activity after TOPS, including golf, skiing, gardening, tennis, and lifting. While timelines vary, many patients can resume sports gradually, with fewer long-term restrictions than fusion.