Corpectomy in New Jersey
If you experience persistent back pain, leg cramping, or numbness, you may be a candidate for a corpectomy. This surgical procedure relieves pressure on your spinal cord to provide lasting relief. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides corpectomy procedures and more at locations throughout New Jersey. Our world-renowned neurosurgeon specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery to help patients enjoy a pain-free life.
What Is a Corpectomy?
Corpectomy is a medical procedure similar to a discectomy, though more extensive. It involves the removal of material from discs and vertebrae. This creates extra space around the spinal cord, relieving pressure and pain.
The spine is composed of a series of interlocking bones, called vertebrae, separated by rubbery spinal discs that offer cushioning. These protect the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that carries information between the brain and the rest of the body. A healthy spine provides stability, mobility, and sensation. Over time, however, wear and tear can prevent its parts from working properly. Bone spurs and herniated discs may impinge the spinal cord, impeding its function and causing pain.
Why Doctors Recommend a Corpectomy
The nerves in the spinal cord are extremely sensitive. Even a little bit of pressure can result in symptoms that interfere with a full lifestyle. These symptoms may include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck or back
- Numbness in your arms or legs
- Cramping sensations in your arms or legs
- Burning pain that spreads to your arms or legs (sciatica)
- Difficulty walking or standing due to extreme leg pain
- Limping due to weakness in the foot
- Loss of sensation in your feet
- Poor hand coordination
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Spinal cord compression can be caused by a few different conditions. Common causes include:
- Cervical stenosis or lumbar stenosis: Vertebrae feature open gaps at their centers, allowing the spinal cord to pass through. This is called the spinal canal. Stenosis occurs when wear and tear cause the spinal canal to narrow, leaving insufficient room for the spinal cord.
- Cervical herniated disc, thoracic herniated disc, or lumbar herniated disc: Spinal discs are rubbery pads between vertebrae that absorb shock and allow free movement. Disc herniation occurs when a disc ruptures and its soft core leaks out, putting pressure on the spinal cord.
These conditions and their symptoms can interfere with your lifestyle. The pain bothers you at work, at play, and in day-to-day life. Corpectomy can help you return to pain-free living so you can enjoy the activities you love once again.
Who Performs Corpectomies at NU-Spine?
At NU-Spine, spinal cord compression and other conditions are treated by Branko Skovrlj, MD. Dr. Skovrlj specializes in all kinds of spine procedures to help patients live without pain. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon and one of the few in New Jersey who focuses exclusively on the spine. His interest in minimally invasive spine surgery allows him to provide positive results with faster recoveries and less risk of complications.
Dr. Skovrlj’s expertise has earned him many awards and accreditations. He is known all around the world for his work to improve the field of spine surgery. However, Dr. Skovrlj maintains his down-to-earth demeanor and makes time to get to know his patients.
The Corpectomy Process
Our treatment plans typically begin with a conservative approach. We try non-invasive treatments such as pain medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy. If these treatments do not provide pain relief, we may then recommend a corpectomy. Corpectomy happens under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep while Dr. Skovrlj performs the following steps:
- Skovrlj makes a tiny incision near the site of compression.
- Small tools and a specialized camera are inserted into the incision.
- Using the camera’s guidance, Dr. Skovrlj carefully removes enough bone and disc material to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- He may also perform a disc replacement or spinal fusion if necessary to stabilize the spine.
- The incision is closed and dressed in sterile bandages.
After surgery, you will be taken to an observation room until you’re fully awake. You will then spend a night in the hospital. If there are no complications, you’ll likely go home the next day. Dr. Skovrlj will provide instructions for incision care, follow-ups, and anything else you need to know about your recovery. Most patients fully recover in six to eight weeks.
Find Spine Pain Relief at NU-Spine
If you’re experiencing symptoms of spinal cord compression, don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with the spine experts at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today to learn more about corpectomy procedures or to schedule a consultation in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, and Hainesport, NJ.
