This study is designed to collect safety and efficacy data on patients who plan to undergo a single-level total joint replacement of the lumbar spine using the MOTUS device (MOTUS Total Joint Replacement procedure) to demonstrate noninferiority to lumbar interbody fusion with respect to composite endpoints.

A multi-center (up to 20 investigational sites), prospective, non-blinded investigation of the MOTUS Total Joint Replacement (TJR) device. These data will be compared to a lumbar interbody fusion (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion [TLIF] or posterior lumbar interbody fusion [PLIF]) control group enrolled in a separate real world evidence (RWE) study. Balance between groups will be achieved through sub classification using propensity scores by a blinded statistician.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, age 21-80 (inclusive) with at least 3 years of life expectancy;

2. The subject has a primary diagnosis of symptomatic lumbar degeneration with or without foraminal or recess stenosis of the lumbar spine at a single level from L1/L2 to L5/S1 confirmed by subject history and radiographic imaging (CT, MRI, X-rays) with no more than a Grade 1 (<25% translation) spondylolisthesis. Symptomatic lumbar degeneration that may be associated with a co-morbid condition such as:

   1. Herniated nucleus pulposus;
   2. Scarring/thickening of the ligamentum flavum, annulus fibrosus, or facet joint capsule;
   3. Facet joint degeneration/osteophyte formation;
   4. Spondylosis (defined by the presence of osteophytes);
   5. Disc degeneration and/or annular degeneration; and/or
   6. Lumbar stenosis defined by spinal cord or nerve root compression;

3. Exhausted conservative treatment (e.g. bed rest, physical therapy, medications, TENS, manipulation, and/or spinal injections) for at least 3 months or has a neurologic emergency;

4. Preoperative Oswestry Disability Index score ≥ 40/100 at baseline;

5. Psychosocially, mentally, and physically able and willing to fully comply with this protocol including adhering to follow-up schedule and requirements and filling out forms; and

6. Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. More than one vertebral level requiring treatment with instrumentation;

2. Previous instrumented surgery (i.e.: anterior disc replacement, spinal fusion, interspinous device, etc.) at the index lumbar level or an adjacent level;

3. Degenerative or lytic spondylolisthesis greater than Grade 1 (25% translation) associated with congenital (e.g. dysplastic) pars defects;

4. Rotatory scoliosis (>10 degrees) at the index level;

5. Congenital bony and/or spinal cord abnormalities at the level to be treated such as conjoined nerve roots that would otherwise prevent placement of the device without generating nerve damage or skeletal malformations such as kyphotic vertebra that may be better suited for a different course of treatment (e.g. spinal fusion);

6. Subcaudal defect, disrupting the integrity of the pedicle that presents undue risk of device subsidence or migration due to compromised bone quality/density;

7. Clinically compromised vertebral bodies at the index level due to current or past trauma, e.g., by the radiographic appearance of the fracture callus, malunion or nonunion;

8. Disrupted anterior longitudinal ligament at the index level;

9. Overlying thoracolumbar kyphosis (greater than or equal to 15 degrees) within one level (includes target and adjacent level) of the level to be treated;

10. Back pain of unknown etiology without leg pain;

11. Severe spondylosis at the level to be treated as characterized by any of the following:

    1. Autofusion (solid arthrodesis) determined radiographically (CT);
    2. Totally collapsed disc, or;
    3. Vertebral body that cannot be mobilized;

12. Known allergy to cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, polyethylene, titanium, or vitamin E;

13. Unable to undergo an MRI scan, CT scan or other radiograph assessments;

14. Osteopenia diagnosed by surgeon using a comprehensive assessment of all available information including the following:

    • DEXA bone density measured T-score ≤ -1:

      • Females age <50 and males age <55: The SCORE/MORES will be utilized to screen if a DEXA scan is indicated. If SCORE/MORES value ≥ 6, then a DEXA scan is required.
      • Females age ≥50 and all males age ≥55: DEXA scan is required.
      • If indicated for DEXA, an existing scan is allowed if completed within 6 months of subject surgery;

    • Opportunistic quantitative CT (Hounsfield Units): Measurement is encouraged as supplemental information to determine potential for osteopenia;

    • Intra-operative evaluation of bone quality to assess if there is a significant risk for implant subsidence;

15. Has history of any endocrine or metabolic disorder known to affect osteogenesis (e.g.: Paget's disease, renal osteodystrophy, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, or osteogenesis imperfecta);

16. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus;

17. Lactating, pregnant or interested in becoming pregnant in the next 3 years;

18. Active infection - systemic or local;

19. Any medical condition requiring treatment with any drug known to potentially interfere with bone/soft tissue healing or receiving radiation therapy that is expected to continue for the duration of the study;

20. Body Mass Index > 40;

21. Recurrent history of deep vein thrombosis, symptoms of arterial insufficiency, or thromboembolic disease;

22. Systemic disease including Lupus disease, Reiter's disease, Rheumatoid disease, AIDS, HIV, hepatitis or autoimmune disease that requires immunosuppressive therapy, including biologics, for systemic inflammation;

23. Spinal tumor at the index level or adjacent level that could compromise integrity of the implant (hemangiomas must be evaluated by the investigator and determined to not be pathologic, for example a biopsy may be required;

24. Active malignancy: A patient with a history of any invasive malignancy (except non-melanoma skin cancer), unless he/she has been treated with curative intent and there have been no clinical signs or symptoms of the malignancy for at least 5 years;

25. Any degenerative muscular or neurological condition that would interfere with evaluation of outcomes, including but not limited to Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or multiple sclerosis;

26. Has chronic or acute renal and/or hepatic impairment and/or failure or prior history of renal and/or hepatic parenchymal disease;

27. Has a Waddell Signs of Inorganic Behavior score of 3 or greater;

28. In the opinion of the investigator, the subject has a behavioral, cognitive, social or medical problem that may interfere with the assessment of the safety or effectiveness of the device;

29. Current or recent history of chemical/alcohol abuse or dependency using standard medical definition of DSM-5 code;

30. Currently smoking or using tobacco products, including e-cigarette products (e.g., vaping) (Use within 30 days of surgery date is considered 'current');

31. Currently pursuing or in active spinal litigation for medical negligence, or trauma, or workers compensation;

32. Is a prisoner, incarcerated, or has been coerced to participate in the study that could impact the validity of results;

33. Is currently participating in an investigational therapy (device and/or pharmaceutical) within 30 days prior to entering the study or such treatment is planned during the 24 months following enrollment into the study.

This trial uses data for a motion-preserving spine implant for a US FDA regulated PMA application. These data are proprietary and thus access is managed accordingly with dissemination considered after completion of FDA review. Beyond providing clinical evidence for a PMA, we plan to share findings through peer-reviewed publications & scientific presentations. Prior to public release, data is reviewed for consistency with protocol, informed consent, participant confidentiality & regulatory requirements. Data is verified for accuracy & completeness, including demographics, operative details, functional assessments & PROMs. After FDA review, de-identified data will be available to qualified investigators upon request contingent upon sponsor approval, available budget, a signed data use agreement, compliance with HIPAA & terms of patient informed consent. The sponsor shall review requests for scientific merit, requestor qualifications, patient consent alignment & regulatory obligations.