Thoracic Disc Replacement Near You in New Jersey
Back pain has a widespread effect on a person’s life. Conservative treatments, including pain medications and physical therapy, may provide short-term relief. When nothing seems to work for long, it’s easy to feel discouraged about lost mobility and quality of life.
Fortunately, a permanent solution exists. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute specializes in providing minimally invasive spine surgery, including thoracic disc replacement, to eliminate pain at its source. We are led by a world-renowned neurosurgeon who performs advanced procedures at locations near you across New Jersey to help patients receive treatment close to home. Learn more about how our care can help patients return to pain-free living.
What Is Thoracic Disc Replacement?
Thoracic disc replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a problematic disc in the middle or upper back with a medical-grade implant, to relieve pain.
Spinal discs are pads of rubbery material that separate each vertebra. They function as cushions to support the vertebrae, absorb shock, and let the spine flex without friction. Though durable, spinal discs are vulnerable to a variety of damaging conditions. If damaged, they can no longer provide the support and protection the spine needs. Their gel centers may also leak into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and resulting in numbness, tingling, and nerve pain.
Traditionally, spinal disc conditions are treated with spinal fusion. This provides effective pain relief but comes at the cost of some mobility. Thoracic disc replacement provides a less invasive alternative. By replacing the damaged disc, pain is eliminated and the spine can still bend and flex as it used to.
When Is Thoracic Disc Replacement Recommended?
Thoracic disc replacement is used to treat spinal disc concerns in the thoracic region of the spine or the upper to middle back. It is an effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions ranging from acute injuries to age-related wear and tear. These are some of the conditions treated with thoracic disc replacement at NU-Spine:
- Thoracic disc herniation
- Thoracic slipped disc
- Thoracic degenerative disc disease
- Thoracic radiculopathy
- Thoracic myelopathy
- Pinched thoracic nerve
If a person is struggling with any of these conditions, thoracic disc replacement can provide permanent relief. However, surgery puts stress on the body and is not always recommended. NU-Spine typically tries conservative treatments first. If physical therapy, rest, and medication prove ineffective at managing pain, surgery may be considered. Patients can speak with a NU-Spine neurosurgeon to learn more about treatment options and determine whether surgery is the right next step.
Who Performs Thoracic Disc Replacement at NU-Spine?
NU-Spine is led by our resident neurosurgeon, Branko Skovrlj, MD. Dr. Skovrlj is one of the only neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus solely on the spine. He specializes in all kinds of spinal surgery but prefers minimally invasive methods that deliver shorter recovery times and better patient outcomes. He regularly participates in research efforts to make these procedures more effective and widely available. His research contributions have earned him awards and global recognition.
Though he is world-renowned for his work, Dr. Skovrlj remains committed to his New Jersey community. He understands it can be challenging to discuss back pain that interferes with everyday life. Therefore, he works hard to remain approachable. Patients are treated with compassion, helping them feel comfortable while discussing and receiving treatment.
How Is Thoracic Disc Replacement Done?
When patients arrive at NU-Spine for a thoracic disc replacement procedure, they are first asked to remove their clothes and put on a hospital gown. Dr. Skovrlj then positions them on an operating table before administering general anesthesia. The anesthesia keeps the patient asleep while he performs the following steps:
- Skovrlj makes a tiny incision on the back near the problematic spinal disc.
- He inserts specialized tools and a tiny camera into the incision. The camera provides a live video feed, helping Dr. Skovrlj guide his tools without needing a large incision.
- He performs the steps of a discectomy to remove the entire damaged disc.
- Skovrlj carefully inserts an artificial spinal disc, which is made of a medical-grade composite material for safety and durability.
- He closes the incision with stitches and dresses it in sterile bandages.
The procedure takes two to three hours to complete. Afterward, patients are taken to a recovery room to wake up from anesthesia. Nurses monitor the patient’s vital signs to ensure no complications arise. Once the patient is awake, they move to a hospital room where they will spend the next few days.
Recovery from Thoracic Disc Replacement
Once patients are cleared to go home, Dr. Skovrlj will provide instructions for recovery. Patients should follow his guidance to prevent complications and ensure they recover successfully. Guidance may include:
- Protecting incision sites with dressings
- Protecting sutures while bathing
- Limiting lifting and other strenuous activities
- Taking medications to manage post-surgical pain
- Watching for fever, swelling, and other signs of infection
- Scheduling follow-up appointments with Dr. Skovrlj
Once the incision site has healed, patients begin physical therapy to guide their further recovery. The physical therapist assigns exercises to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, stabilize the joint, and help the patient return to their pre-surgery level of activity. Most patients can resume their normal activities within six weeks of their procedure.
Outcomes of Thoracic Disc Replacement
Disc replacement surgery is a proven procedure with a high success rate. Patients experience immediate relief from spinal disc pain, and most can return to their pre-pain levels of activity once recovery is complete. In addition, artificial spinal discs are proven to last decades. The implant may never need replacement in the patient’s lifetime. This makes thoracic disc replacement a reliable and permanent solution to many forms of back pain.
Thoracic disc replacement is a minimally invasive surgery. This treatment approach uses specialized tools, including an endoscopic camera, to work through a smaller incision. Minimally invasive surgery causes less surgical trauma than open surgery, allowing for shorter recovery times with less pain and risk of infection. It also allows patients to enjoy their positive surgical outcomes sooner.
Find Back Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey
If you are struggling with persistent back pain, don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments such as thoracic disc replacement. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute today to schedule an initial consultation at one of our New Jersey locations near you near you.
Thoracic Disc Replacement Frequently Asked Questions
When is thoracic disc replacement necessary?
Thoracic disc replacement is used to treat slipped, degenerated, or herniated spinal discs. It is most often recommended for patients whose pain interferes with everyday life and does not respond to conservative treatment methods.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialized equipment to work through a smaller incision than traditional surgery requires. This can reduce surgical trauma, allowing for an easier recovery with less pain and fewer complications.
How long is recovery after thoracic disc replacement?
Most patients can resume their normal activities within six weeks.
Will I need pain medications after thoracic disc replacement?
Most patients require pain medications while the incision heals. In most cases, this is less than two weeks.