For decades, spinal fusion has been the standard surgical treatment for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. While fusion can stabilize the spine and relieve nerve compression, it also eliminates motion at the treated level, often leading to added stress on the surrounding segments and, over time, adjacent segment degeneration.

Now, a new surgical option is available in Utah, and The Orthopedic Partners is leading the way. Zach Pinter, M.D., fellowship-trained spine surgeon and lead investigator on the landmark FDA clinical trial, is the first surgeon in Utah to offer lumbar facet arthroplasty, a motion-preserving spine surgery that’s been shown to deliver better long-term results than traditional fusion in the right patients.

What Is Lumbar Facet Arthroplasty?

Lumbar facet arthroplasty is a motion-preserving alternative to fusion designed for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and grade-I degenerative spondylolisthesis who have not improved with non-surgical care.

During the procedure:

• The surgeon performs a thorough decompression to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
• Instead of permanently fusing the vertebrae, a specially designed facet joint replacement device, such as the FDA-approved TOPS™ System, is implanted.
• This device stabilizes the spine while allowing natural motion at the treated level.

The goal: restore stability, maintain mobility, and avoid some of the long-term downsides of fusion.

FDA Trial Results: Arthroplasty Outperforms Fusion

Dr. Pinter served as a lead investigator in the FDA Investigational Device Exemption trial comparing lumbar facet arthroplasty to spinal fusion.

The findings were clear:

• 73.5% of arthroplasty patients achieved overall clinical success at two years, compared to 25.5% of fusion patients.
• Arthroplasty patients reported greater improvements in pain and function (Oswestry Disability Index, back pain scores, and walking ability).
• Lower risk of developing adjacent segment degeneration compared to fusion.
• Motion was preserved at the treated level, whereas fusion permanently eliminated it.

These results, published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, mark a major milestone in spine surgery innovation.

Who Is a Candidate for Lumbar Facet Arthroplasty?

You may be a candidate if you have:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Grade-I degenerative spondylolisthesis
• Persistent pain, leg symptoms, or functional limitations despite conservative treatment
• No major deformity, instability beyond the target level, or severe osteoporosis

A full evaluation with advanced imaging and a review of your medical history is essential to determine eligibility.

Advantages Over Spinal Fusion

While both fusion and arthroplasty relieve nerve compression and stabilize the spine, arthroplasty offers key benefits:

• Preserves natural motion at the treated level
• Reduces stress on adjacent joints and discs, which may reduce the risk of adjacent segment disease
• Faster return to activity for many patients
• Lower rate of reoperation in the study’s follow-up period

For the right patient, arthroplasty represents a significant leap forward in preserving long-term spine health.

Why Dr. Pinter Is Leading the Way in Utah

Dr. Zach Pinter is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon specializing in the treatment of degenerative, oncologic, infectious, and traumatic conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He is committed to tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique symptoms, lifestyle, and goals, using the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible.

Dr. Pinter strives to preserve natural motion in the spine, avoiding fusion when there’s a proven alternative. He was a lead investigator in the FDA clinical trial that led to the approval of lumbar facet arthroplasty in the United States, making him uniquely qualified to offer this groundbreaking, motion-preserving procedure in Utah.

Beyond his expertise with lumbar facet arthroplasty, Dr. Pinter is skilled in advanced technologies such as computer navigation and robotic-assisted spine surgery, which help reduce invasiveness, promote faster recovery, and improve patient safety. Patients appreciate his thoughtful, conservative-first approach, exhausting nonsurgical options before recommending surgery, paired with his commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.

Now, patients in Salt Lake City, Heber City, and Park City have local access to one of the nation’s most experienced surgeons in lumbar facet arthroplasty, as well as the full spectrum of advanced spine care options.

Considering a Spinal Fusion? Get a Second Opinion

If you’ve been told you need a spinal fusion, you may have another option. Lumbar facet arthroplasty offers many patients lasting relief without sacrificing spinal motion.

Before moving forward with fusion, schedule a second opinion with Dr. Pinter at The Orthopedic Partners. He will help you understand all your choices so you can make the best decision for your health and lifestyle.

Request your consultation today in Salt Lake City, Heber City, or Park City, Utah, and explore the future of motion-preserving spine surgery.