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Familiar with "TOPS" spine surgery?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jul 6 7:30am | Replies (73)Comment receiving replies
@annie1
Hi, I came on here to see what kind of info I could find on anyone that might have had the TOPS procedure, which I am looking into. I saw your post about you having osteoporosis. I have Spondylolesthesis, and I'm very leery of having a fusion, (supposedly the TOPS is reversible and fusion is not) so I thought this may be a better option for me. The surgeon I saw says I am a candidate for it, although I have some osteoporosis, he would put me on some medication for approximately a month or more to strengthen my bones and be able to proceed with the procedure. I am just worried about any side effects this medication may have and hopefully will not make me sick. I don't know how severe your osteoporosis is? Just thought I'd let you know. I still am not sure if I will go ahead with this procedure. We shall see.
I have reversed my osteoporosis in the past, I have not been consistent in the last 2 years and some of it has come back.
Replies to "@annie1 Hi, I came on here to see what kind of info I could find on..."
@ldg001 Did your doctor actually tell you he could make your bones stronger in a month? I had to take daily shots for two years to increase my bone density. Also, I just had my consultation for TOPs and I was told people with osteoporosis are not candidates. The screws will not hold if the bones are too porous. The bone drug side effects are scary. I put off taking the medication until I had no other choice. I was on Forteo. I did not have major side effects and my osteoporosis improved significantly in my spine. I'm glad I finally agreed to take the treatment or I could not have surgery to fix my back.
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@ldg001
I am very frustrated due to getting different answers whether I am a candidate for TOPS. Can I ask which Dr said it was ok for you and where they are located? I have osteoporosis and attended a webinar by Premia spine that makes the device and they said it is contraindicated for osteoporosis, however the Dr I saw, who is the head of surgery at ClevelandClinic said he could do it for me. I scheduled a call with a Premia person this week, however I think they are sales people that call. Anyway, I am curious how bad your osteoporosis is and who the Dr is who said you could qualify for TOPS. You have to PM me! They don't allow Dr's names in the general chat, SO PLEASE PM ME THE INFO ABOUT THE DR. THANKS