PRESS RELEASE
MEEKER | Recently, Dr. J. Alex Sielatycki, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Pioneers Medical Center (PMC) in Meeker, started performing surgeries using the FDA-approved TOPSTM System. As a result, PMC is now the only facility on the Western Slope to offer this procedure. This advancement is made possible through the collaboration between Dr. Kevin Borchard, Chief Surgical Officer at Colorado Advanced Orthopedics (CAO), and the expanding orthopedic practice at the center.
Dr. Sielatycki specializes in various spine surgeries at CAO, including cervical disc replacement, cervical laminoplasty, lumbar discectomy, lumbar laminectomy, minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal motion preservation, and cervical and lumbar fusion procedures. His primary focus is spinal motion preservation operations, mainly performing disc replacements in the cervical spine and total lumbar joint replacement.
Dr. Sielatycki and the spine team at CAO now offer patients a new treatment option for debilitating lower back and leg pain. The FDA-approved TOPSTM device provides an alternative to spinal fusion surgery for individuals with moderate to severe lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and related spinal conditions.
The TOPS Posterior Arthroplasty System addresses two critical functions of the spine: maintaining stability and preserving motion. The surgeon removes the bony elements pressing on the nerves during a Posterior Arthroplasty procedure. Subsequently, the doctor implants the TOPS System to stabilize the spine and restore a controlled range of movement in the lumbar region.
Patients experiencing symptoms such as lower back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or radiating leg pain while walking (known as spinal claudication) can regain their ability to bend, flex, walk, and enjoy everyday activities that were previously hindered by pain.
CAO has partnered with Dr. Jonathan Schoeff to work alongside Dr. Sielatycki. Dr. Schoeff is a national leader in anterior lumbar spine exposure and will assist Dr. Sielatycki with anterior lumbar disc replacements at PMC.
If spine patients are not ready for surgical repair, PMC provides transformative, minimally invasive solutions such as ultrasound-guided injections, ensuring safe and effective care without exposing patients to radiation.
The types of injections performed include transforaminal selective nerve root blocks, medial branch nerve blocks, facet joint injections, lumbar ganglion nerve blocks, cervical ganglion nerve blocks, greater occipital nerve blocks, sacroiliac joint injections, hip joint injections, peripheral nerve injections, and piriformis injections. Additionally, CAO physicians conduct electrodiagnostic studies, including nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMGs).
CAO patient D. Delk of Grand Junction has had incredible success at CAO. After having Dr. Kevin Borchard replace both hips in 2022, the active retiree sought the expertise of CAO’s spine program.
“I had both hips replaced by Dr. Borchard in 2022 and had a wonderful experience. Because of this and their current zero surgical infection rates, when I noticed tingling in my right leg and experiencing discomfort, I reached out to CAO for a consultation with their spine team,” D. Delk said.
“I met with Dr. Grant and Dr. Sielatycki; both are truly knowledgeable. In early February 2023, I had spine surgery. The team at CAO is outstanding; they go beyond, and I experienced genuine care, compassion, and communication not only from the nursing and operating room staff.” D. Delk said. “I have been doing physical therapy for three weeks now. Although I am taking my recovery nice and easy, my goal is to return to the activities I enjoy, such as golf and riding ATVs.”
D. Delk says he “would go to CAO again.” “I enjoy people, and as a retired mail carrier of 35 years, I have found that if you treat people nicely, you find out that it reciprocates and comes back around. The people at CAO made me feel good.”
CAO has assembled a remarkable orthopedic team, which significantly contributes to exceptional patient care. In addition to Dr. Kevin Borchard, Dr. Sielatycki, and Dr. Schoeff, the surgical team includes Dr. Rhett Griggs, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a fellowship in orthopedic shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery; Dr. Greg Martyak, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a fellowship in hand and upper extremities; Dr. Mark Purnell, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a fellowship in Sports Medicine; and Dr. Dan Ward a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in total joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee.
CAO is in Meeker, Colorado. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit their website, www.coloradoadvancedorthopedics.com, or call 970- 878-9752.