In a bold decision five years ago, Nathan Snyder confronted a life-altering choice. Due to persistent back pain diagnosed as spondylolisthesis, Snyder faced the dilemma of either undergoing traditional spinal fusion surgery or pioneering an experimental solution — an artificial joint implant into his back. Snyder delved into meticulous research, drawing on his pre-med knowledge to weigh the pros and cons. Ultimately, he opted for the experimental procedure with the TOPS System, a decision that not only transformed his life but also contributed to a groundbreaking medical advancement.
The Cause of Nathan’s Back Pain
The origin of Nathan Snyder’s back problems remains somewhat elusive. While Nathan assumes that his football days in high school and college may have played a role, pinpointing a singular cause proves challenging. The pain surfaced in his 30s and intensified as he navigated the demands of raising four children. By his mid-40s, the back pain extended beyond physical activities, making even mundane tasks excruciating. An MRI revealed the inevitability of surgery due to spinal slippage, a condition conventionally treated with spinal fusion.
Traditional approaches involve surgically correcting the vertebrae slippage and stabilizing the spine through fusion. However, this method, while effective in stopping abnormal motion, introduces new challenges. Fusing vertebrae eliminates motion in one segment but puts stress on adjacent vertebrae, often necessitating additional surgeries. This standard procedure, though prevalent, comes with its drawbacks — something Nathan Snyder experienced firsthand.
Nathan Returned His Active Life Back
Opting for a different path, Nathan chose an innovative solution — the Total Posterior Spine System (TOPS), an artificial joint designed to preserve motion in the spine without causing stress on adjacent vertebrae. Unlike traditional spinal fusion, TOPS is limited to specific conditions, such as a healthy front spinal disk and grade 1 spondylolisthesis with a 25% slippage or less. Nathan participated in a comprehensive study involving over 300 patients, revealing that TOPS demonstrated a significant advantage over spinal fusion in terms of composite clinical success.
The success of the clinical trials led to FDA approval in June, with the first and only superior-to-lumbar-fusion claim, marking a pivotal moment in spinal healthcare.
For Nathan Snyder, the decision to wait for an alternative to fusion proved transformative. More than five years post-implantation, he revels in a life unburdened by back pain. Golfing, playing basketball, and even conquering a Tough Mudder race, Nathan’s journey with the TOPS System implant not only alleviated his pain but also opened the door to a vibrant and active future. Reflecting on his experience, he attests, “I cannot say enough — I feel better than I did when I was 30 years old.” Nathan’s story stands as a testament to the possibilities that innovative medical solutions can offer, reshaping lives and rewriting the narrative of chronic pain.
