Back pain, neck pain, nerve symptoms, and spinal conditions can affect your mobility, independence, and ability to participate in everyday activities. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our spine specialists evaluate each patient carefully to identify the source of their symptoms and explain the treatment options available. Our broader services and treatments include conservative care and advanced surgical options for patients throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
For nearly two decades, Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics has provided patient-centered neurological and spine care alongside a growing range of orthopedic, sports medicine, and rehabilitative services. When surgery is appropriate, our neurosurgical team considers your diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, health, and functional goals before recommending an approach. Patients benefit from clear education, multidisciplinary expertise, and access to a range of spinal procedures, from minimally invasive techniques to more traditional surgery when necessary.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial implant in select patients. Unlike spinal fusion, the procedure is intended to preserve motion at the treated level while relieving pressure associated with a damaged or degenerative disc. Your spine specialist can determine whether disc replacement is appropriate based on the location of the affected disc, your anatomy, and the nature of your symptoms.
Discectomy/Microdiscectomy
A discectomy or microdiscectomy removes part or all of damaged disc material that is placing pressure on a spinal nerve. These procedures are commonly considered when a herniated disc causes persistent radiating pain, numbness, weakness, or other nerve-related symptoms that have not adequately improved with conservative treatment. Microsurgical techniques may allow the surgeon to address the affected area through a smaller operative field.
Foraminotomy and Laminectomy
Foraminotomy and laminectomy are decompression procedures used to create more room for spinal nerves or the spinal cord. A foraminotomy enlarges the opening through which a nerve exits the spine, while a laminectomy removes part or all of the lamina at the back of a vertebra. These procedures may be considered for conditions such as spinal stenosis or other problems causing nerve compression.
Kyphoplasty Surgery
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize certain vertebral compression fractures. During treatment, the surgeon accesses the fractured vertebra and places bone cement or another stabilizing material within the affected area. Kyphoplasty may be considered when a compression fracture causes significant pain or fails to improve adequately with non-surgical treatment.
Microvascular Decompression
Microvascular decompression is a neurosurgical procedure used for certain conditions caused by a blood vessel compressing a cranial nerve. These can include trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. During surgery, the neurosurgeon carefully separates the affected nerve from the blood vessel responsible for the compression to relieve irritation of the nerve.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses smaller surgical openings and specialized instruments to access the spine while limiting disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues. Depending on the condition, minimally invasive techniques may be used for procedures such as discectomy, fusion, or treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Not every spinal condition is best treated this way, so the surgical approach is selected according to the patient’s diagnosis and anatomy.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion
The sacroiliac joints connect the pelvis to the sacrum at the base of the spine and can become a source of persistent lower back, pelvic, hip, or leg pain. Sacroiliac joint fusion stabilizes the affected joint by promoting fusion between the sacrum and ilium. Surgery may be considered for appropriately selected patients whose SI joint pain continues despite conservative treatment.
Spinal Cord Stimulators
Spinal cord stimulation may be considered for certain forms of chronic pain that have not responded adequately to other treatments. A small implanted device sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to change how pain signals are transmitted and perceived. Patients generally complete a temporary stimulation trial before permanent implantation so the care team can evaluate whether the therapy provides meaningful relief.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize a portion of the spine. Depending on the diagnosis, fusion may be used to address spinal instability, degenerative changes, spondylolisthesis, deformity, or other conditions that cannot be adequately treated with more conservative approaches. Several surgical techniques are available, and the appropriate method depends on the location and complexity of the spinal problem.
Stereotactic Image-Guided Surgery
Stereotactic image-guided surgery uses advanced three-dimensional imaging and surgical navigation to help surgeons identify spinal anatomy and precisely track instruments during a procedure. This technology can be valuable when operating around sensitive nerves, the spinal cord, tumors, lesions, or other complex structures. Image guidance may be incorporated into procedures such as spinal fusion, disc replacement, or treatment of certain spinal lesions.
Traditional Spinal Procedures
Minimally invasive techniques are not appropriate for every diagnosis. Traditional spinal procedures provide surgeons with broader access to the spine when the complexity or location of a condition requires an open surgical approach. Your surgeon will explain why a particular technique is being recommended and how the proposed procedure relates to your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics for Spine Care?
Spine care often requires careful decision-making because similar symptoms can come from very different conditions. Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics brings nearly two decades of experience in neurological and spinal care, with a team that includes board-certified neurosurgeons and fellowship-trained specialists. Patients have access to a broad range of treatment options, from conservative care and minimally invasive techniques to more traditional procedures when those approaches are appropriate.
Our team places a strong emphasis on helping patients understand why a treatment is being recommended and what alternatives may be available. That combination of advanced specialty expertise and clear, direct communication is especially important when making decisions about spine surgery, where treatment should be based on the diagnosis, anatomy, symptoms, and individual goals rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Get Clear Answers About Your Spine Care
Living with a spinal condition can leave you with questions about what is causing your symptoms and whether surgery is necessary. Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics can evaluate your condition, explain your options, and help you determine an appropriate path forward based on your health and functional needs.
Call (888) 741-7272 or contact Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics to request an appointment with our team.
