Procedures & Treatments

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When you are struggling with back pain or another condition that interferes with everyday life, you can rely on the specialists at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute for treatment. Dr. Branko Skovrlj is a fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery for neck and back conditions.

With locations throughout New Jersey in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, and Hainesport, we serve patients with a full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for their pain.

What Conditions Does NU-Spine Treat?

Thoracic Spine Injury

Though the spinal cord is well protected in the thoracic region, it is still susceptible to damage after an accident or serious fall. Spinal cord ...

Pinched Thoracic Nerve

Also called radiculopathy, this occurs when nerves in the back become compressed. This pressure interferes with normal nerve function, resulting in pain, unusual sensations, and ...

Pinched Cervical Nerve

A cervical pinched nerve happens when damage to a nerve root in the cervical spine causes pain. This can cause radiating pain or tingling known ...

Treatment of Pinched Lumbar Nerve

A pinched lumbar nerve can cause pain in a person’s lower back, legs, or feet. A pinched nerve happens when parts of the spine compress ...

Treating Lumbar Spinal Cord and Lower Back Injuries

The lumbar spine is susceptible to fracture due to the stress it receives by supporting the body. It may also be damaged by degeneration, tumors, ...

Lumbar Deformity Correction

This refers to any abnormal shape in the spine, including flat back syndrome, kyphosis, or scoliosis. Severe deformity can interfere with spine function and cause ...

Treatment for Flat Back Syndrome

The lower back has a natural curve that allows it to support the body effectively. Flat back syndrome occurs when the spine loses this curve, ...

Treatment for Failed Back Syndrome

Most people recover from surgery without complication. In some cases, however, spine surgery may not provide relief. Failed back syndrome refers to side effects and ...

Lumbar Post-Laminectomy Syndrome

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat stenosis and other spine conditions. While most are completed successfully without complication, some patients do not ...

Pars Defect Treatments

Also called spondylolysis, this refers to a stress fracture in the lower back. It may manifest initially as either a thin fracture or a full ...

Treatment for Spondylosis

Also known as spinal osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disorder, Spondylosis refers to an age-related breakdown of cartilage in the facet joints. It commonly results in ...

Lumbar Kyphosis Treatment

This refers to an abnormal curve in the lower back. Related to flat back syndrome, this condition can reduce a patient’s mobility and compromise their ...

Treatment for Lumbar Myelopathy

The spinal cord is composed of an extremely sensitive bundle of nerves. When it receives pressure from a herniated disc or stenosis, its function is ...

Low Back

Low back pain can affect patients of any age and background. While many patients believe chronic low back pain is a symptom of aging, this ...

Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Disease

Painful condition that affects the sacroiliac joints. The sacroiliac joints sit where the lower spine and pelvis meet. The condition can cause pain and stiffness ...

Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

This refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related degeneration or a traumatic injury. Extreme stenosis may squeeze the spinal cord, ...

Treatment for Lumbar Sprain

When ligaments are stressed, they can stretch or tear away from where they are attached. Sprains most often happen due to traumatic injury or gradual ...

Treatment for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Also called nerve root compression, this occurs when a nerve root is damaged or pinched. The nerve roots cannot send or receive signals as ...

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Surgeries at NU-Spine are performed by Branko Skovrlj, MD. Dr. Skovrlj is a world-renowned spine surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, using advanced tools to perform complete surgeries through tiny incisions.

The state-of-the-art tools used typically include:

A tubular retractor to guide surgical instruments
A small camera that provides real-time images of the area being treated
Endoscopic tools with long handles for hard-to-reach areas

By reducing the size of the incision as necessary, minimally invasive methods provide a variety of advantages over traditional open surgery, such as:

Faster operation times, Reduced blood loss
Less post-operative pain, Decreased risk of infection
An easier recovery

In addition, most minimally invasive procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. This means that patients can go home the same day as the procedure, skipping a stay at the hospital.

Procedures Available Near You In New Jersey

All
Lower Back / Lumbar & Sacrum
Mid-Back / Thoracic
Miscelleanous
Neck / Cervical

Cervical Disc Replacements

A cervical disc replacement is often performed after a discectomy or microdiscectomy. After removing a spinal disc, the spine is left without necessary cushioning. The surgeon restores this cushioning by replacing the missing disc with a similarly sized pad of composite material. This pad provides the same shock absorption and flexibility as a natural disc, ...

Cervical Discectomy

Cervical Discectomy Near You in New Jersey Chronic neck pain is a common complaint, but it doesn’t have to last forever. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute specializes in performing minimally invasive procedures, including cervical discectomies, to help patients return to pain-free living. Our award-winning neurosurgeon provides treatment at state-of-the-art locations near you across the ...

Cervical Laminectomy

Minimally invasive spine surgery is an advanced technique that uses smaller incisions and specialized tools to access the spine. The procedure focuses on getting the same or better results as traditional spine surgery but with less damage and a shorter recovery period.

Cervical Microdiscectomy

Cervical Microdiscectomy Near You in New Jersey A herniated cervical disc can cause significant pain. If you are struggling with symptoms of spinal cord compression that may be caused by disc herniation, don’t wait for relief. Turn to NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, where we provide spine procedures such as cervical microdiscectomy to help ...

Cervical Spinal Fusion

Cervical Spinal Fusion Near You in New Jersey Chronic neck pain can lead to constant discomfort that disrupts sleep and interferes with everyday activities, making it difficult to live life to its fullest. If you are struggling with neck pain, seek treatment at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We perform cutting-edge spine surgery ...

Corpectomy

Discectomy

A discectomy is a procedure used to excise, or remove, all or most of a herniated disc. Spinal discs are rubbery pads of shock-absorbing material between each pair of vertebrae. When a disc is damaged, its soft nucleus may spill into areas occupied by sensitive nerves. The surgeon performs a discectomy to remove the damaged ...

Hemilaminectomy

A hemilaminectomy means half a laminectomy. This procedure is like a standard laminectomy but removes half as much bone and leaves more of the lamina intact. Your surgeon may recommend a hemilaminectomy whenever spinal decompression is needed and removing the whole lamina is not necessary to achieve the desired result.

Laminectomy

In some cases, the affected bone can be accessed without open surgery. These cases allow for minimally invasive laminectomy. The goal is the same as a standard laminectomy and the procedure is used to treat the same range of conditions. This version of the procedure, however, uses specialized tools and smaller incisions to reduce the ...

Lumbar Decompression

Lumbar decompression is also called a lumbar laminectomy. It refers to a laminectomy performed on the lower back (lumbar spine), where the vertebrae are thicker and sturdier than those found elsewhere in the spine. This introduces special challenges for surgeons treating nerve compression or disc herniation located in this region.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Lumbar Disc Replacement Near You in New Jersey Lower back pain is a common complaint. Though most cases can be relieved with rest or pain medications, conservative methods are not always sufficient. If pain persists despite treatment, it may be time to consider surgery. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute specializes in providing lumbar ...

Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar Discectomy Near You in New Jersey Back pain may feel inescapable, but it does not have to be. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute specializes in providing advanced treatments for all kinds of back pain. We serve locations near you across the state of New Jersey with various types of spine surgery, including lumbar ...

Lumbar Foraminotomy

The foramen is a narrow hole between two vertebrae through which nerves pass. When the foramen becomes constricted, it puts pressure on the nerves. A lumbar foraminotomy is performed to widen the foramen, reducing pressure on your nerve. Though foraminotomy can be performed on any part of the back, the lumbar region – or lower ...

Lumbar Laminectomy

Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Lumbar Microdiscectomy Near You in New Jersey Spinal discs are an essential part of the spine’s structure, providing flexibility and cushioning. One damaged disc is enough to cause severe pain and loss of function. Medical treatment is essential to correct the damage and relieve nerve impingement symptoms. People struggling with pain caused by a ruptured ...

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Lumbar Spinal Fusion Near You in New Jersey Chronic back pain can make you struggle to participate in everyday activities. Fortunately, you can find relief at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We offer advanced spine procedures like lumbar spinal fusion at locations near you across New Jersey. Our board-certified neurosurgeon uses the latest technology and ...

Lumbar/Cervical Microdiscectomy

A microdiscectomy is a less invasive form of discectomy. The process, end goal, and results are like those for a standard discectomy. Rather than open up the back, however, the surgeon uses specialized tools through very tiny incisions. A small camera or endoscope may be used to provide visibility. This form of the procedure causes ...

Minimally Invasive Laminectomy

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy

A posterior cervical foraminotomy refers to a foraminotomy performed on the cervical section of the spine, otherwise known as the neck. It is performed from the posterior side, or the back of the neck, to avoid interference with the throat. This procedure is often performed with an endoscope, or small surgical camera, to allow the ...

Revision Spine Surgery

Most spine surgeries are successful without complications. However, if a procedure fails to provide long-term relief, revision spine surgery may be necessary. This is an additional surgery designed to correct faulty procedures, improve upon unsatisfactory results, or replace implants that were once effective but have worn down over time.

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Surgery Near You in New Jersey You may not know what your sacroiliac joint is until something goes wrong. Injuries and conditions in the sacroiliac joint cause intense pain that can prevent you from living life normally. Fortunately, help exists for patients struggling with sacroiliac pain. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery ...

Spinal Cord Stimulator

A spinal cord stimulator (also called SCS) is a device that’s implanted near your spine. It generates mild electrical impulses that interfere with the transmission of pain signals traveling along the spinal cord to your brain. Traditional spinal cord stimulators produce a gentle tingling sensation that masks the feeling of pain, while high-frequency stimulators reduce ...

Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement

A spinal cord stimulator is a spinal implant that sends low levels of electricity into the spinal cord. This electricity is at the same frequency as natural nerve signals. This causes interference, preventing the spinal cord from transmitting pain signals. Stimulators are used as a long-lasting form of chronic pain relief that reduces the patient’s ...

Who Performs Procedures at NU-Spine?

At NU-Spine, neck and back surgery procedures are performed by Branko Skovrlj, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon. He is one of the few neurosurgeons in New Jersey to work exclusively with the spine, with a special focus on deformity and complex spine surgery. Dr. Skovrlj has contributed to medical research extensively with multiple awards for his work.

Though Dr. Skovrlj is world-renowned, he has not lost his local values. He gets to know each patient personally, taking time to establish a rapport in a friendly environment. This extra effort makes him approachable, helping patients more easily discuss their pain.