@tbeck23 I have DDD, with severe lumbar stenosis, where nerves are actually contacted in two places. The most severe is L 4-5 where I also have spondylolisthesis. I have seen 4 surgeons, all wanting to do a laminectomy to make room for the nerves that are contacted. Because of the slipped disc at L 4-5, it would destabilize my back to remove bone and whatever is causing the stenosis. That's why I also need a fusion. However, I do not want a fusion, as it causes adjacent segment disease and it's a long recovery. I started researching the TOPS and reached out to several people online who have actually had the surgery. It is fairly new in the US but has been done in Europe for more than 10 years. The reason I chose the TOPS is that that device allows movement, where a fusion is fixed and doesn't move. By allowing movement, it is supposed to prevent further surgeries on adjacent discs that often deteriorate after a fusion. My brother had three failed back surgeries, the l last of which was the 360, and his back is worse than ever. Recovery for the TOPS is supposed to be much quicker than a fusion. Hope this answers your questions. I am not scheduled to have the surgery until September, but I will certainly keep everyone posted. Premia Spine has a website where all the doctors are listed in every state that perform this procedure.