Spine Surgery Specialists

What is Spine Surgery?

Spine surgery is a type of orthopaedic surgery to ease pain and/or discomfort caused by musculoskeletal problems such as herniated or bulging discs, arthritis, sports-related injuries, and degenerative disc disease. 

There are several types of spine surgery. Some use minimally invasive techniques, while others require traditional, open techniques. Spine surgery is usually a last resort. Whenever possible, the team at MidJersey Orthopaedics uses conservative measures to ease back and neck pain. However, if your pain persists or gets worse, spine surgery may be necessary. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Spine Surgery?

Only a qualified medical professional like those at MidJersey Orthopaedics can determine if you’re a good candidate for spine surgery. During the initial consultation, your MidJersey Orthopaedics physician conducts a thorough physical exam, asks you questions about your symptoms, and reviews your medical history. 

They also have you perform a series of simple exercises, and watch you walk around the exam room to observe your gait and posture. To get a better idea of your underlying problem, they also take X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones, joints, and supportive soft tissue structures. 

If you’re relatively healthy and don’t have an underlying condition such as heart disease or diabetes, you’re probably a good candidate for treatment. However, spine surgery is always a last resort. The team usually recommends conservative care options such as physical therapy, spine injections, or rest before surgical intervention.

Are There Different Types of Spine Surgery?

There are several types of spine surgery. At MidJersey Orthopaedics, the team regularly performs:

• Vertebroplasty
• Kyphoplasty
• Spinal decompression surgery 
• Discectomy
• Foraminotomy
• Nucleoplasty
• Spinal fusion

For patients with severe degenerative disc disease or arthritis, they also perform artificial disc replacement. During this type of spine surgery, your surgeon removes your damaged disc and replaces it with a synthetic prosthesis. 

Is Spine Surgery Safe?

Spine surgery is safe and well-tolerated, but like any type of surgery, there are inherent risks, including bruising, bleeding, and infection. Prior to conducting spine surgery, your MidJersey Orthopaedics physician reviews your medical history and discusses your goals for treatment. They use this information to develop a custom surgical care plan that limits your risk of complications. 

If you’re interested in learning more about spine surgery, make an appointment at MidJersey Orthopaedics today by calling the office nearest you or clicking the online scheduling tool.