Dr. John Fowler discussed lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis at the Eurospine conference. The narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal characterizes lumbar spinal stenosis. It leads to symptoms of nerve compression, including lower back and leg pain, as well as an inability to extend the spine.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis involves the anterior displacement of one vertebra. This condition most commonly occurs in the L4-L5 spinal level. It often leads to spinal stenosis.
Minimally invasive surgery is Dr. Fowler’s preferred approach to lumbar spinal stenosis treatment. If he must destabilize the patient’s spine, he considers alternative forms of stabilization to spinal fusion. Unfortunately, Dr. Fowler has had problems with the popular Dynesys device, including loosening screws.
Though Dr. Fowler has only completed one case with the TOPS™ System, he recognizes that providing stability while preserving motion with a device that will stand the test of time is ideal.
