Disc Replacement Surgery in New Jersey

In cases that require artificial disc replacement surgery, New Jersey spinal surgeon Dr. Joshua S. Rovner has extensive experience replacing damaged discs to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Your Source for Artificial Disc Replacement in New Jersey

As an award-winning surgeon for various minimally-invasive techniques, Dr. Rovner provides some of the best disc replacement surgery NJ has to offer.

What Is an Artificial Disc?

An artificial disc is a medical device that replaces a damaged or worn spinal disc. Each spinal disc functions as a cushion between the vertebrae, allowing the spine to bend and absorb shock. An artificial disc mimics these functions, ensuring the spine remains flexible and functional. It consists of two essential parts:

The annulus: Tough outer layer of the disc, similar to layers of canvas.
The nucleus: Soft, gel-like center that absorbs impact.

By maintaining the structural integrity and flexibility of the spine, an artificial disc helps preserve natural movement and reduce pain.

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is a surgery that removes a damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial one, usually made from metal and biopolymer materials. The common design includes two plates attaching to the vertebrae above and below the disc space,

Who Needs an Artificial Disc?

ADR is suitable for individuals who:

Suffer from chronic back or neck pain for over six months
Have not found relief from physical therapy, medications, or other conservative treatments
Have confirmed disc damage via imaging tests (MRI or CT) showing significant degeneration or herniation
Experience symptoms (pain, numbness, weakness) linked to disc damage
Have Lumbar Disc Degeneration or Cervical Disc Degeneration presenting as radiculopathy

Dr. Rovner conducts a thorough evaluation, including medical history and imaging, to determine the best treatment approach for each patient.

man with cane wincing in pain and touching lower back

A Briefing on Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Disc replacement surgery is a common surgical procedure that replaces discs of the spine have undergone damage and/or have worn down over time. The common causes of disc replacement surgery are degenerative disc disease and herniated discs. Specifically called artificial disc replacement surgery, this surgical procedure is only recommended if alternative nonsurgical treatments have not improved the underlying issue.

Disc replacement surgery was developed as an alternate treatment to spinal fusion surgery and anterior lumbar discectomy. By leveraging this effective form of spine surgery, many our patients in New Jersey find disc replacement surgery dramatically relieve pain and restore better range of motion.

Spinal Surgery Patient Testimonial

Benefits of Disc Replacement Surgery

Damaged discs in the spine can irritate the roots of spinal nerves. These nerves, which are located in the spinal cord near the disc, are what trigger pain signals (which can stem down limbs of the body.) By removing problematic discs, pressure on the nerve is minimized, helping to relieve the paint associated with the damaged disc.

In many cases, the primary purpose of artificial disc replacement surgery is to relieve patients of pain in the arms, shoulders, and neck. Further, some instances that demand disc replacement surround the lumbar spine as well.

For most patients, the need for this surgical procedure is to provide pain relief as a result of disc herniation or degenerative disc conditions. Cervical disc replacement surgery, in particular, can be extremely beneficial compared to other forms of surgery.

A common reason why many patients choose cervical disc replacement surgery over anterior lumbar discectomy and fusion is that they experience greater range of motion in the neck. As a result, healing time can be minimized and residual effects on other parts of the spine will be reduced.

If you're a prospective patient for disc replacement surgery in New Jersey, Dr. Rovner, will work with you individually to explore all available options for your treatment program. Artificial disc replacement surgery is usually only recommended as a last resort treatment when other options have not worked. This being said, Dr. Rovner provides his patients with some of the absolute best disc replacement surgery NJ has to offer. So, rest assured that, if this procedure is required, you are in good hands.

Advantages of Artificial Disc Replacement

Motion Preservation Without Fusion: Spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae, restricting movement at that segment. In contrast, ADR preserves natural spinal motion, maintaining flexibility and reducing the likelihood of adjacent segment degeneration.
Permanent and Long-Term Relief from Back Pain: Artificial disc replacement offers a permanent solution for chronic back pain caused by damaged spinal discs. By replacing the affected disc with an artificial one, ADR addresses the root cause of pain, providing long-term relief and enhancing your quality of life.
Very High Success Rates: ADR procedures boast high success rates, with many patients experiencing significant pain reduction and improved mobility. This advancement in spine surgery has transformed the lives of countless individuals suffering from debilitating back pain.
No Screws or Rods Necessary: One of the standout benefits of ADR is that it eliminates the need for screws or rods. Traditional fusion surgeries often require hardware to stabilize the spine, which can lead to additional complications. ADR uses a specially designed artificial disc that seamlessly integrates with your spine without the need for such hardware.

Safe and Effective Technology: Artificial discs are crafted from safe and durable materials, such as medical-grade metals and biopolymers, that have been extensively tested and used in medical applications for years. The advanced technology behind ADR ensures that the artificial disc mimics a healthy spinal disc's natural movement and functionality.
Outpatient Surgery with No Hospital Stay Required: Many ADR procedures can be performed as outpatient surgeries, meaning you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight. This minimally invasive approach not only reduces hospital-related costs but also allows you to recover comfortably in the familiar surroundings of your home.
Return to Full Life Activities with No Restrictions: ADR enables you to return to your daily activities without the significant restrictions often associated with spinal fusion. Whether exercising, working, or enjoying recreational activities, ADR helps you regain mobility and live a whole, active life without pain.

What to Expect from Disc Replacement

The Surgical Procedure

During cervical disc replacement surgery, Dr. Rovner will:

Make a Small Incision: A minimal incision is made at the front of the neck.
Access the Damaged Disc: Carefully move aside tissues to reach the affected disc.
Remove the Damaged Disc: Gently and safely extract the problematic disc.
Insert the Artificial Disc: Secure the artificial disc in place.
Close the Incision: Properly close the surgical site to promote healing.

Recovery After Surgery

To reiterate, most patients can go home the same day or the next day after surgery. Dr. Rovner provides detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Depending on individual circumstances, patients typically experience immediate relief from pain and can resume normal activities within a few days.

Post-Operative Care

Dr. Rovner remains actively involved throughout your recovery, offering:

Detailed Recovery Instructions: Guidance on how to care for your spine post-surgery.
Post-Surgery Appointments: Regular check-ins to monitor your healing progress.
Ongoing Support: Availability to answer any questions and address concerns during your recovery journey.

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Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery At A Glance

In the procedure of cervical disc replacement surgery, Dr. Rovner will first make a small incision in the front of the neck. The experienced spine surgeon will gently and safely move aside any tissues to access the damaged disc. After fully removing the damaged disc, the surgeon will then insert and secure the artificial disc before closing.

By continuously staying abreast the latest innovations in orthopedics, Dr. Rovner uses the most up-to-date technology and surgical procedures, particularly in cases of artificial disc replacement surgery.

As a result, most of our patients go home within one day after surgery (if not the same day.)

With some limitations for recovery, most patients can return to their normal day lifestyles in just a few days after surgery. After cervical disc replacement surgery, patients usually feel immediate relief from their neck and arm pain. In cases of cervical disc replacement, patients can often feel relief in pain that radiates down the hips and legs.

Recovering From Disc Replacement Surgery

After lumbar or cervical disc replacement surgery, Dr. Rovner provides patients with detailed instructions to best take care of their body while recovering. As Dr. Rovner provides some of the best disc replacement surgery NJ has to offer, he also offers some of the best post-operative care available to patients. He makes himself available to answer any questions, as well as schedule patients for post-surgery appointments for continual check-ins about their recovery. Dr. Rovner is always available throughout the entire process of his patients recovery.

Specializing in Disc Replacement Surgery in NJ

As a highly-recognized and award-winning spine surgeon in New Jersey, Dr. Rovner is specialist in both cervical and lumbar disc replacement surgery. Board certified to practice orthopedic surgery in both New York and New Jersey, Dr. Rovner is among few spinal surgeons in NJ with depth of experience and expertise for advanced and minimally-invasive spinal surgery.

Learn More About Dr. Rovner

Dr. Rovner is a spine surgeon in New Jersey who provides both non-surgical and surgical treatment of pain related to the neck and entire back. He prides himself on his patient-centered, personalized approach that helps correctly diagnose and treat problems related to deformity, trauma, and degenerative conditions.

With experience in disc replacement surgery in New Jersey, he focuses on conservative non-surgical methods but, when surgery is necessary, utilizes the most modern techniques. Schedule a consultation today and contact us, or you can call us at 201.227.1299 to schedule your appointment.

For more information about artificial disc replacement surgery in NJ and other treatment options for treatment, or to schedule a consultation with surgeon Dr. Rovner, contact us or call 201.227.1299.