Spinal Reconstruction Surgery in New Jersey
More than an aesthetic concern, spinal deformities can cause painful conditions that require the correct treatment to alleviate symptoms. Spinal reconstruction surgery realigns the spine to help patients achieve less pain and a higher quality of life. Branko Skovrlj, MD, at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is one of the few board-certified neurosurgeons in the country to focus exclusively on spine treatments and has expertise in treating abnormalities. Patients throughout New Jersey can seek spinal reconstruction surgery at locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, and Hainesport.
What Is Spinal Reconstruction Surgery?
Spinal reconstruction refers to procedures that treat conditions caused by deformity or significant misalignment. In mild cases, conservative, non-surgical treatments can be appropriate. This might include wearing a back brace and being more aware of movements like twisting, turning, and lifting. Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can also provide relief.
Reconstructive surgery is necessary for more severe cases. This means the damage or disease involves more than one level of the spinal column. These regions include the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar/sacrum (lower back).
Scoliosis is a common reason for spinal reconstruction surgery. This spinal disorder refers to a spine’s natural curve being greater than 10 degrees, and it can affect everyone from infants to adults. Other conditions for which spinal reconstruction can be beneficial include:
- Spinal deformities (thoracic deformities and lumbar deformities)
- Cervical kyphosis, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar kyphosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Cervical stenosis and lumbar stenosis
- Failed back syndrome
Is Spinal Reconstruction Surgery Safe?
Patients might oppose neck or back surgery because they worry about complications. However, spine surgery is safer than letting back pain go untreated. Non-surgical treatments can be viable with early detection of spine conditions, but reconstructive surgery is often necessary because patients ignore early signs. Symptoms that may develop when spine conditions that require reconstruction go untreated include:
- Limited mobility (cannot turn, twist, or bend over)
- Inability to carry heavy items
- Lack of sleep due to severe pain
- Inability to walk without an aid (walker or cane)
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (incontinence)
- Weight gain due to lack of exercise
- Deterioration of vital organs
- Sexual dysfunction or impotence
- Potential mental health problems, such as depression
What Happens With Spinal Reconstruction Surgery at NU-Spine?
Patients are diagnosed with a spine condition following a physical examination by a spine specialist. This diagnosis will also indicate whether spinal reconstruction surgery is the best treatment to relieve symptoms.
At NU-Spine, Dr. Skovrlj leverages his years of experience treating spine conditions to identify the best option for each patient. He uses cutting-edge techniques to relieve pain and help patients regain mobility. Symptoms spinal reconstruction surgery can address include:
- Moderate to several chronic neck and lower back pain
- Nerve damage that causes numbness and weakness in the limbs
- Spinal compression
- Limited mobility due to trauma or spinal abnormalities
- Loss of motor skills due to severe trauma or disease
- Neurological symptoms due to spinal injury
Dr. Skovrlj offers two approaches to reconstructive surgery, depending on the patient’s needs. Minimally invasive reconstructive surgery corrects damaged and diseased parts of the spine with artificial replacements. This is the preferred procedure to treat trauma caused by mild injury or infection.
Another option is complex spinal reconstructive surgery for more complicated issues of spinal curvature, such as scoliosis. Some spine injuries might also require complex reconstruction surgery and spinal fusion.
What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spinal Reconstruction?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is the preferred method at NU-Spine. Although this approach still requires general anesthesia, patients find it often has fewer complications than traditional back or neck surgery.
Even when treating more than one area of the spine, spine surgeons will avoid affecting the muscles and ligaments with minimally invasive surgery. Their goal is to reduce post-surgical pain and enable a speedier recovery and rehabilitation. Other advantages of minimally invasive reconstruction surgery include:
- Smaller incisions and scars
- Less blood loss
- Reduced possibility of infection
What Does Recovery From Spinal Reconstruction Surgery Involve?
Both minimally invasive and complex spinal reconstruction surgery require patients to remain in the hospital for three to four days. Although minimally invasive procedures offer faster recovery, each patient’s recovery will depend on the extensiveness of their surgery and how well they follow Dr. Skovrlj’s post-operative instructions.
Dr. Skovrlj provides patients with exercises and may prescribe physical therapy. These post-operative treatments are highly effective in controlling pain and helping patients regain full mobility. Most patients will need pain medications for about a week after surgery.
Patients can begin walking within a day of spinal reconstruction surgery. Post-surgical pain typically disappears after one month, and patients can expect a full recovery in about six months. Within about 90 days, patients can return to their routine activities.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Reconstruction Surgery at NU-Spine
At NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, patients can rely on a board-certified neurosurgeon who has dedicated his career to treating complex spine conditions. Dr. Skovrlj offers spinal construction surgery to repair damaged spines and help patients experience less pain with more mobility. NU-Spine serves patients at multiple locations throughout New Jersey in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, and Hainesport.
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 our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
