At New Jersey Spine & Orthopedic (NJSO) we make it our mission to dedicate our work and time to those in need of relief from neck and back pain. Our award-winning, board-certified doctors specialize in minimally invasive procedures and pain management. We are dedicated to finding the best solution for each patient’s individual condition. Our practice has also become renown for specialized treatment through Artificial Disc Replacement procedures, which has been proven to drastically improve the quality of our patients’ lives.
While terms like “minimally invasive spine surgery” and “artificial disc replacement” can seem perplexing, the procedures and treatments we provide can be explained very clearly. Below we have provided simple answers to some of our patients’ more complex questions.
Q: Do I need an artificial disc replacement?
Patients who experience chronic back pain and loss of mobility may be a candidate for artificial disk replacement. This is the process by which a doctor will remove the vertebrae’s cushioning layer and replace it with artificial material in order to alleviate their patient’s pain. Doctors will typically recommend this procedure because of ongoing pain and limited recovery from traditional treatments.
Q: What does “minimally invasive” mean for those suffering from neck or back pain?
We use minimally invasive techniques at NJSO. This technique involves minor incisions and requires little to no muscle cutting, minimizing blood loss. An invasive procedure such as a traditional spinal fusion can cause tearing and bleeding of muscle tissue and require the spinal cord to be repositioned.
Q: What is “Artificial Disc Replacement,” and how does NJSO perform this kind of surgery?
Artificial disc replacement is currently one of the most advanced treatments available for back pain. When a herniated disc or a failed spinal fusion surgery causes neck or back pain, an artificial disc replacement can provide patients with long-term relief.
At NJSO we have the experience and industry-leading technology to provide patients with this successful solution. Our surgical team, including Dr Scott Katzman and Dr. Steven Schiebert, has been performing orthopedic surgery for decades and are widely recognized as leaders in the field of spine conditions and treatments.
During an artificial disc replacement surgery, the surgeon removes all or a portion of the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one. This technique is an alternative to spinal fusion, helps to relieve pain caused by nerve compression, and gives the spine additional support and stability while allowing mobility of the spine. Artificial disc replacement has been an increasingly popular spine treatment over the last several years. Studies have shown, less risk and greater long-term effectiveness are the outcomes to artificial disc replacement when compared to spinal fusions.
Q: How is Artificial Disc Replacement a long-term solution to neck or back pain?
Most patients that have been indicated for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion would qualify for an artificial disc replacement instead. This will allow patients to maintain the same level of mobility and prevent adjacent level degeneration which is one of the most common side effects of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion doing an artificial disc replacement. This will avoid the patient having to come back and have two more fusions in the future.
The artificial disc used in our surgical technique is a man-made device, inserted between the affected vertebral discs. The BRYAN Disc from Medtronic and the Mobi-C Disc are both cutting-edge technology developed as an alternative to a spinal fusion. We prefer to use the MOBI-C Disc because it is the only artificial disc in the United States approved for up to two levels. These artificial discs mimic the function of the spine’s natural disc and maintain its natural movement.
Traditional cervical fusion technique fuses the discs in the neck together. This method inhibits movement in the affected vertebrae. While this provides some relief, the restricted movement in the spine can cause later complications. Failed neck fusions are pretty common and sometimes the surgically treated area does not properly fuse, but we provide other alternatives!
Q: How do I know if an ADR is right for me?
If you suffer from neck or back pain and have tried treatment for a long-time herniated disc, bone spurs, or a previously failed fusion, the Artificial Disc Replacement technique could be the right solution for you.
We take patients’ treatment plans very seriously and want to provide the best solution for spinal pain. This means we’ll need to assess the history and source of the pain so we can work with you to determine the best course of action.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our free pain assessment tool on our website – from there, we can start working on a plan to get you feeling your best.
Q: Why should I turn to NJSO for treating my neck or back pain?
Our staff includes neurosurgeons and spine surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive techniques that allow for quicker patient recovery time. You’ll be able to return to normal activities and a higher quality of living sooner than older, traditional spine treatments allow. Our surgeons are highly skilled and experienced with more than 25 years of practice in these techniques and surgeries.
Even if you’ve sought treatment from other doctors, we want to make sure you are certain about how your spinal care is handled – you can make an appointment with us for a second opinion or to review your MRI results.
Our treatment plans are patient-focused and customized for the kind of care that will make the biggest impact on your health and life. Call us today if you would like to explore treatment options with our patient representatives, (855) 586-2615.