Our Spine Surgeons

Our Spine Surgeons Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida

When planning for a life-changing spine surgery, it’s important to choose a doctor you can trust to deliver exceptional results. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is led by two board-certified spine specialists: Dr. Branko Skovrlj and Dr. Robert J. Rothrock. They apply years of training and surgical expertise to treat neck and back pain at locations near you in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Under their care, patients know that their spine treatment is in knowledgeable hands. Learn more about our doctors and their treatment approaches.

Meet Dr. Branko Skovrlj

Dr. Branko Skovrlj is the founder of NU-Spine, a top-rated neurosurgeon, and one of just a few New Jersey doctors to specialize exclusively in spine treatments. While his expertise covers the full range of spine treatments, his special interest is in complex procedures, such as spinal deformity corrections. He is one of the best in class for spine reconstructions and spinal revision surgery.

Born in Split, Croatia, Dr. Skovrlj immigrated to the United States in 1999 as a Rotary Exchange Student. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clayton State University in 2005. He then earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, before completing his residency and dual fellowships at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. Since then, he has remained committed to staying up to date on medical advances through continuing education.

Dr. Branko and Dr. Rothrock

Dr. Skovrlj is known around the world for his work in perfecting spine care. He has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 170 clinical research papers to develop and refine better, safer spine treatments. His research has been presented at prestigious conferences around the globe and has earned rewards, such as:

  • North American Spine Society Resident Research Award
  • North American Spine Society Value Award
  • AO Spine North America Fellow Research Award
  • Neurosurgery Publication Special Recognition Award

Despite his accolades, Dr. Skovrlj holds onto his small-town values. He understands how stressful spine surgery can be, which is why he makes an effort to get to know his patients and help them feel comfortable. This approach makes it easier to discuss sensitive topics, such as lifestyle changes or body insecurities. As a result, he has earned hundreds of glowing reviews from appreciative patients.

Meet Dr. Robert J. Rothrock

Dr. Robert J. Rothrock is a board-certified neurosurgeon with dual fellowships in minimally invasive and complex spinal neurosurgery. Dr. Skovrlj was Dr. Rothrock’s mentor during residency training, and both doctors share the same philosophy of care.

Dr. Rothrock was born and grew up in Miami, Florida. He completed his premedical education at the University of Pennsylvania, then attended the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He graduated with special honors and distinction, receiving a prestigious Doris Duke Clinical Research fellowship. He completed this fellowship at Columbia University. During and after his residency at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, Dr. Rothrock also completed multiple additional fellowships, including:

  • Spinal neurosurgery
  • Spinal radiosurgery
  • Spinal oncology
  • Minimally invasive and deformity spine surgery

Like Dr. Skovrlj, Dr. Rothrock emphasizes minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. He provides patients with the least invasive procedure that will effectively address their issue. His additional fellowships also empower him to handle complex issues, including spine tumors, spinal deformities, and nerve conditions, giving patients peace of mind about their care.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery refers to a set of technologies and techniques used to minimize cutting and intrusions during treatment. Treatments use advanced cameras and medical imaging that allow surgeons to see inside the spine without fully exposing it. Incisions are only an inch or two long, and muscles and soft tissue are pushed aside instead of being cut. This advanced approach to treatment offers many benefits for the patient, including:

  • Less surgical trauma
  • Reduced bleeding
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Faster recovery times
  • Reduced pain
  • Minimal scarring
  • Less need for further surgery

While highly effective, minimally invasive surgery is quite complex. Not every spine surgeon has the skills or experience to complete these procedures successfully. Dr. Skovrlj and Dr. Rothrock have special expertise in minimally invasive techniques. Their training and emphasis on minimally invasive care make them the surgeons of choice when pursuing spine treatments in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Florida.

Learn More About Our Spine Specialists in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida

If you are struggling with neck or spine pain, don’t take risks with your treatment. Transform your life with a touch of care with treatment from the top-rated spine surgeons at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We provide cutting-edge procedures near you at locations near you across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Don’t wait for relief; contact us today to schedule your appointment with our spine specialists and take the first step toward a pain-free future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a set of techniques that use precise tools and cameras to work through a smaller incision, reducing surgical trauma for a faster recovery.

What is spine reconstruction surgery?

Spine reconstruction surgery is a treatment for spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and flat back syndrome. These conditions are prevalent in older patients but can appear at any age, causing pain, reduced mobility, and aesthetic changes. Dr. Skovrlj and Dr. Rothrock provide reconstructive surgery to restore the spine’s natural shape for long-term relief and a more normal appearance.

What is spinal revision surgery?

Spinal revision surgery is a treatment for failed back syndrome, which occurs when a person experiences continued or new pain after a spine surgery. Dr. Skovrlj has expertise in correcting failed back syndrome to provide the complete relief that patients were looking for from the start.

What treatments are provided at NU-Spine?

NU-Spine treats almost all types of spine pain, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar conditions. Our doctors have expertise in a wide range of treatment types to provide the best results for a variety of conditions and causes of pain.

Branko Skovrlj, MD

Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD Neurosurgeon Near You In New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida When considering a step as significant & life-altering as spine surgery, it’s essential to choose a doctor you can trust. Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD, is the founder and presiding neurosurgeon at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. He specializes in minimally ...
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Robert J. Rothrock, MD

Neurosurgeon Near You In New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida Dr. Robert J. Rothrock is a board-certified, dual-fellowship trained minimally invasive and complex spinal neurosurgeon, dedicated to providing patients with the smallest possible surgical procedure to address the clinical issue. During residency training, Dr. Branko Skovrlj was Dr. Rothrock’s mentor and chief resident, and principally influenced ...
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Treat Your Neck or Back Pain at NU-Spine
Are you or a family member struggling with a neck or spine condition? Don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care from NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Our services are available across New Jersey. Contact us today for an initial consultation, or visit one of our New Jersey locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, or Hainesport.

Spine Center Locations

Start Your Path to Relief!

Contact us today for an initial consultation with a spine specialist, or visit one of our locations!