[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/the-advantages-of-minimally-invasive-spine-surgery\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/the-advantages-of-minimally-invasive-spine-surgery\/","headline":"The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery","name":"The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery","description":"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\u00a0using minimally invasive techniques. Here, we detail the benefits of […]","datePublished":"2024-05-01","dateModified":"2025-04-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/author\/seoaccounts\/#Person","name":"Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD","url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/author\/seoaccounts\/","identifier":11,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/25d521bea98e4070937950c92cd06d2b99615947d3d29e3682593c48f0372431?s=96&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/new.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/new.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Female-surgeon-performing-minimally-invasive-surgery-on-patient.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Female-surgeon-performing-minimally-invasive-surgery-on-patient.jpg","height":836,"width":1254},"url":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/the-advantages-of-minimally-invasive-spine-surgery\/","about":["Lower Back \/ Lumbar & Sacrum","Mid-Back \/ Thoracic","Neck \/ Cervical"],"wordCount":891,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe 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\u00a0using minimally invasive techniques. Here, we detail the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery.What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?Minimally invasive spine surgery\u00a0focuses 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 surgeryReduced risk of muscle damage, since little or no cutting of the muscle is requiredReduced chance of nerve damageReduced risk of infection and postoperative painLess bruisingFaster recovery from surgery and less rehabilitation requiredLower overall risksOften, 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 diseaseHerniated discLumbar spinal stenosisSpinal deformities such as scoliosisSpinal infectionsSpinal instability, including spondylolisthesisVertebral compression fracturesSpinal tumorsMinimally invasive spine surgery can be performed on neck injuries, on the mid-back and thoracic\u00a0area, 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 clotsComplications from anesthesiaExcess bleedingLeaking of spinal fluid that can cause headaches or other problemsNerve damageNot enough relief from your back painPain at the graft siteRisks can vary according to:Patient healthPatient ageType of surgery performedThe 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 ProceduresThe medical team at NU-Spine can perform many different types of minimally invasive spine surgeries, including:Endoscopic Posterior Cervical ForaminotomyAn endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy\u00a0is a procedure primarily used to treat conditions caused by compressed nerves, like cervical radiculopathy, thoracic radiculopathy, or lumbar radiculopathy.Lumbar DecompressionLumbar decompression\u00a0refers to a group of procedures used to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord by removing the lamina of one or more vertebrae.MicrodiscectomyA microdiscectomy\u00a0is 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 LaminectomyA minimally invasive laminectomy\u00a0is 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 InfusionA transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion\u00a0(TLIF) is a minimally invasive procedure used to fuse different parts of the spine with a special graft. It\u2019s 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 ExperienceWhen 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 AwardThe North American Spine Society Value AwardThe prestigious AO Spine North America Fellow Research AwardThe Neurosurgery Publication Special Recognition AwardDr. Skovrlj\u2019s memberships include:North American Spine SocietySociety for Minimally Invasive Spine SurgeryThe American Academy of Neurological SurgeryThe Congress of Neurological SurgeonsThe Scoliosis Research SocietyUsing 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-SpinePatients 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\u00a0for 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\u2019s world-class neurosurgeons and spine specialists, contact us\u00a0today.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery","item":"https:\/\/www.nu-spine.com\/blog\/the-advantages-of-minimally-invasive-spine-surgery\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]