The neurosurgeons at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute are all board-certified and specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery. Led by Dr. Branko Skovrlj, one of the best-in-class neurosurgeons in New Jersey, NU-Spine is one of the few places that specialize in complex spine procedures using minimally invasive techniques. Here, we detail the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery.
What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery focuses on achieving the same or better results as traditional spinal surgery, but with less damage because there is no need to cut through muscle and tissue.
A minimally invasive procedure usually involves an incision of two centimeters or less, where a small tube is inserted. The tube holds a microscope, light, camera, and precision tools that the neurosurgeon uses to perform the procedure.
What Are the Benefits of a Minimally Invasive Procedure?
The team at NU-Spine prefers minimally invasive spine surgery because it is faster to perform and safer than traditional spinal surgery. Other benefits include:
- Better cosmetic results from smaller skin incisions (usually around two centimeters or less)
- Less blood loss from surgery
- Reduced risk of muscle damage, since little or no cutting of the muscle is required
- Reduced chance of nerve damage
- Reduced risk of infection and postoperative pain
- Less bruising
- Faster recovery from surgery and less rehabilitation required
- Lower overall risks
Often, patients who have a minimally invasive procedure can go home on the same day as the surgery. This allows them to begin recovery where they can be more comfortable.
What Conditions Can a Minimally Invasive Procedure Treat?
There are many different conditions that the neurosurgeons at NU-Spine can treat using minimally invasive spine surgery, including:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spinal deformities such as scoliosis
- Spinal infections
- Spinal instability, including spondylolisthesis
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Spinal tumors
Minimally invasive spine surgery can be performed on neck injuries, on the mid-back and thoracic area, as well as the lower back.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Just like any surgical procedure, there are some risks with minimally invasive spine surgery. Some include:
- Blood clots
- Complications from anesthesia
- Excess bleeding
- Leaking of spinal fluid that can cause headaches or other problems
- Nerve damage
- Not enough relief from your back pain
- Pain at the graft site
Risks can vary according to:
- Patient health
- Patient age
- Type of surgery performed
The neurosurgeon will go over all the risks and benefits before the procedure. This way, patients can make an informed decision about the best treatment.
Common Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Procedures
The medical team at NU-Spine can perform many different types of minimally invasive spine surgeries, including:
Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
An endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy is a procedure primarily used to treat conditions caused by compressed nerves, like cervical radiculopathy, thoracic radiculopathy, or lumbar radiculopathy.
Lumbar Decompression
Lumbar decompression refers to a group of procedures used to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord by removing the lamina of one or more vertebrae.
Microdiscectomy
A microdiscectomy is a procedure used to remove some or all of a disc or discs that sit between the vertebrae. Damaged discs can be extremely painful and lead to complications, like throbbing neck pain from a cervical slipped disc, inflammation, or injury. A microdiscectomy can be performed on all areas of the spine.
Minimally Invasive Laminectomy
A minimally invasive laminectomy is designed to seamlessly remove part of the back of one or more vertebrae to create more space for the nerves and spinal cord. Areas damaged by a compressed nerve benefit from this procedure, which is often used to treat conditions like cervical stenosis, thoracic radiculopathy, and many others.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Infusion
A transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a minimally invasive procedure used to fuse different parts of the spine with a special graft. It’s commonly used to treat spondylolisthesis, cervical degenerative disc disease, and lumbar degenerative disc disease. It is also much less invasive than more extensive spinal fusions.
Choose a Neurosurgeon With Experience
When looking for a neurosurgeon, patients must choose someone with experience who specializes in spinal surgery. Dr. Skovrlj stands out because:
- He is a board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon.
- He has published over 50 peer-reviewed publications in the field of spine surgery.
- He has presented over 150 clinical research papers worldwide.
- He is a key contributor to a National Institutes of Health(NIH)-funded in-vivo study on discogenic pain in the lumbar spine.
Dr. Skovrlj has also earned the following awards:
- The North American Spine Society Resident Research Award
- The North American Spine Society Value Award
- The prestigious AO Spine North America Fellow Research Award
- The Neurosurgery Publication Special Recognition Award
Dr. Skovrlj’s memberships include:
- North American Spine Society
- Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- The American Academy of Neurological Surgery
- The Congress of Neurological Surgeons
- The Scoliosis Research Society
Using innovative technology and advanced surgical techniques, NU-Spine offers many solutions for people dealing with chronic back pain and need relief.
Schedule a Free Consultation or MRI Review at NU-Spine
Patients looking to begin their pain-free journey with a minimally invasive spine surgery should reach out to the medical team at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute. Dr. Skovrlj serves all of northern New Jersey, including Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.
Additionally, if you have received an MRI and want a free MRI review for a second opinion or treatment recommendation, Dr. Skovrlj and NU-Spine are happy to assist. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with NU-Spine’s world-class neurosurgeons and spine specialists, contact us today.