Lumbar Spine Reconstruction Surgery

Lower Back / Lumbar & Sacrum

Home » Lumbar Spine Reconstruction Surgery

Lumbar Spine Reconstruction Surgery Near You in New Jersey

Much of the spine’s strength comes from its structure. When its shape is impacted by deformity, a person loses significant physical mobility. Patients who struggle with spine deformities can transform their lives at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. With locations near you across New Jersey, we specialize in providing complex spine procedures like lumbar spine reconstruction to bring our patients a higher quality of life.

What Is Lumbar Spine Reconstruction?

Lumbar spine reconstruction is a type of surgery used to correct major deformities in the lumbar spine, or the lower back. It is not a single procedure; rather, it combines multiple procedures to treat complex problems in the spine. Surgeons use one of two different approaches depending on how much of the spine must be operated upon:

Complex Spine Reconstruction

Complex reconstruction is an open surgery used to treat major problems with spine curvature, including severe deformities and injuries. This is the most extensive type of reconstruction and is associated with the longest recovery time. For this reason, NU-Spine recommends it only when necessary.

Minimally Invasive Spine Reconstruction

Minimally invasive reconstruction is a less intrusive version of spine reconstruction. It uses specialized tools to work through a smaller incision, allowing for a smoother recovery. Because its access to the spine is more limited, however, it can only be used for mild injuries, deformities, and infections.

When Is Lumbar Spine Reconstruction Recommended?

Lumbar spine reconstruction is the standard treatment for conditions that affect the alignment of the lower back, especially spine deformities. Conditions commonly treated include:

If left untreated, these conditions can cause spinal cord compression, internal organ obstruction, reduced mobility, and other serious health complications. Patients may experience:

Moderate to severe lower back pain
Leg numbness or weakness
Loss of motor control in the legs
An inability to turn, twist, or bend
Difficulty walking
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Sexual dysfunction or impotence
Body insecurities
Mental health problems

If a patient is struggling with health complications caused by a spine deformity, lumbar spine reconstruction may provide relief. Surgery addresses symptoms at their source, eliminating the cause and allowing patients to live without pain. Patients interested in spine reconstruction surgery should speak with their physician about how it can help them.

What Are the Alternatives to Spine Reconstruction Surgery?

Surgery is not always the first approach for treating spine deformities. Mild scoliosis, kyphosis, and flat back syndrome often cause only minor symptoms, if any. Patients can maintain a high quality of life with no treatment or nonsurgical interventions, such as:

Pain medications
Steroid injections
Activity modifications
Physical therapy
Back braces

Though conservative treatments can reduce discomfort, they do not correct the cause of the patient’s pain. Constant symptom management is necessary. This can get expensive and may provide diminishing returns. Spinal deformities are often progressive, meaning that the deformity and its symptoms get worse over time. Even if symptoms are manageable in the short term, there may come a time when conservative treatments are no longer enough to provide relief.

Spine surgery is the only complete and permanent solution to scoliosis, kyphosis, flat back syndrome, and other serious spinal deformities. It also provides the best results when performed early. The sooner patients act, the more complications they can avoid and the sooner they can start living without pain.

How Is Lumbar Spine Reconstruction Performed?

Lumbar spine reconstruction is not a single type of procedure. Instead, the spine surgeon starts with a thorough physical examination, a review of the patient’s medical history, and imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. This provides a clear understanding of the patient’s unique deformity.

Based on the results from the evaluation, the surgeon then designs a corrective operation using multiple procedures. The result is a fully personalized treatment. Approaches may include:

Lumbar laminectomy: A laminectomy involves removing the lamina, or the back section of the vertebra, to widen the space around the spinal cord.
Lumbar discectomy: A discectomy consists of removing one or more spinal discs, which are the rubbery pads of tissue that provide cushioning between vertebrae.
Lumbar disc replacement: After performing a lumbar discectomy, the surgeon may replace the removed disc with an implant to restore mobility.
Lumbar foraminotomy: A foraminotomy involves removing bone material from around the foramen, which allows root nerves to leave the spinal canal.
Lumbar spinal fusion: A spinal fusion is the most common procedure used for reconstruction and involves fusing multiple vertebrae together into a single bone.

Branko Skovrlj, MD, is the lead neurosurgeon at NU-Spine and one of the only board-certified neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus solely on spine treatments. He specializes in performing complex procedures with compassion and a personalized touch, helping patients feel confident in their care.

Recovery After Lumbar Spine Reconstruction

Lumbar spine reconstruction is an extensive procedure, and most patients need to spend a few days recovering in the hospital. Once patients are ready to go home, Dr. Skovrlj provides guidance to prevent complications while healing at home. His instructions may include:

Walking and performing light exercise daily to encourage blood flow
Taking prescribed medications to reduce pain and inflammation
Transitioning to over-the-counter (OTC) medications after about a week
Keeping surgery sites protected with clean dressings
Participating in physical therapy to regain full strength and mobility

Expected recovery times vary widely depending on the patient’s age, their overall physical condition, and how extensive their reconstruction was. Most individuals can resume normal activities within 90 days. A complete recovery, however, may take six months or even longer, and spinal fusions may not be fully solidified for over a year after the procedure. Dr. Skovrlj works with patients through every stage to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

Find Expert Spine Reconstruction Surgery Near You in New Jersey

Spinal deformities have a far-reaching effect on a person’s life, but relief exists with the right treatment. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We provide lumbar spine reconstruction at locations near you in New Jersey, helping patients improve their mobility and quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about spine reconstruction or to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Spine Reconstruction

What is lumbar spine reconstruction surgery?

Lumbar spine reconstruction is a surgical treatment for spinal deformities and severe misalignments in the lumbar spine, or lower back.

When is lumbar spine reconstruction recommended?

Lumbar spine reconstruction is recommended for patients with severe spinal deformities that cause significant symptoms and lifestyle limitations, especially if conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

Some patients are candidates for minimally invasive spine reconstruction surgery. This approach uses advanced tools to work through smaller incisions, reducing the amount of stress caused by surgery. Minimally invasive procedures provide significant benefits, including: