Posterior Cervical Fusion in New Jersey
Posterior cervical fusion stabilizes the cervical spine through the back of the neck, using screws and rods to hold the vertebrae steady. Surgeons turn to it when several levels need fusion, when a front-of-neck approach is not the right fit, or when the spine needs added support alongside decompression of the cord or nerves.
Definition
What is a Posterior Cervical Fusion?
Posterior cervical fusion is performed through an incision at the back of the neck. The surgeon places screws into the vertebrae and connects them with rods to hold the spine in a stable position. This is often paired with a decompression procedure such as a laminectomy or laminoplasty, which opens up space for the spinal cord or nerves.
The back-of-neck approach has specific strengths. It works well for fusions that span several levels, for correcting more involved deformity, and for revision surgery when an earlier front-of-neck operation has not fully resolved the problem.
Because the hardware anchors directly into the back of the vertebrae, it can support a longer section of the spine when that is what the situation calls for.
How do you know if you need a Posterior Cervical Fusion?
Posterior cervical fusion usually comes into the conversation when the cervical spine needs real stabilization, or when pressure on the cord or nerves spans more than one level.
It is also considered when an earlier neck operation has not held up, or when the shape of the spine itself needs correcting.
Signs that a posterior cervical fusion may be needed include:
- Severe cervical instability or deformity
- Cervical myelopathy that needs decompression across several levels
- A prior anterior cervical surgery that did not fully resolve symptoms
- Significant cervical stenosis affecting multiple levels
- A cervical fracture or other trauma that needs stabilization
- Symptoms that persist after anterior surgery alone
- Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)
- Tumors or infections involving the cervical spine
How do we perform a Posterior Cervical Fusion?
01
Positioning and surgical exposure
02
Decompression where it’s indicated
03
Instrumentation and spinal fusion
Recovery
What is recovery like after Posterior Cervical Fusion?
Most patients stay in the hospital for two to three days after a posterior cervical fusion, depending on how many levels were treated and their overall health. Early on, the focus is on getting up, walking, and letting the surgical area settle.
A neck collar is usually worn for four to six weeks and then gradually weaned off, often around the second month. Physical therapy generally begins near the four-week mark to rebuild strength and motion. The fusion keeps maturing over several months, so heavier activity is added back in stages as healing allows.
Common conditions that require a Posterior Cervical Fusion
Degenerative Disc Disease
Learn about degenerative disc disease treatment in New Jersey for chronic back pain, neck pain, stiffness, and other symptoms caused by age-related disc degeneration.
Scoliosis
The Jey Institute provides personalized scoliosis treatment in New Jersey through advanced evaluation, non-surgical care, and minimally invasive spine surgery.
Dr. Shiveindra Jeyamohan, MD.
Chief Surgeon & Medical Director
Meet the clinical lead
Why choose The Jey Institute for Posterior Cervical Fusion?
Choosing a surgeon for posterior cervical fusion in New Jersey comes down to more than the procedure itself.
Experience with complex multi-level cases, surgical volume, and how patients do afterward all matter when weighing treatment.
- 5,000+ Patients served
- 3,000+ Surgeries performed
- 95% Same-day recovery rate
Areas we serve in New Jersey
East Brunswick, NJ
180 Tices Lane
East Brunswick NJ 08816
Suite 106
West Orange, NJ
414 Eagle Rock Ave,
West Orange, NJ 07052
Suite 304
Dover, NJ
50 Nelson St.
Dover NJ 07801
Little Silver, NJ
200 White Road,
Little Silver, NJ 07739
Suite 111
Clifton, NJ
735 Clifton Avenue
Clifton NJ 07013
Hamilton, NJ
311 Whitehorse Ave.,
Hamilton Township, NJ
08610
Frequently asked questions about Posterior Cervical Fusion
Can this be combined with an anterior fusion?
Yes; oftentimes this is required to improve the alignment, correct a deformity, or increase the chance of successful healing.
How long is the recovery?
Depending on the number of levels and comorbidities, 2-3 days of hospital stay is required. PT starts around 4 weeks.
How long will I need a neck brace?
Patients typically wear a collar for 4-6 weeks and start weaning it off by month 2.
What’s the long-term success rate?
High. The vast majority of patients note improved pain and functioning once successfully healed.
When is the posterior approach preferred over the anterior approach?
In patients with multiple levels of compression or OPLL, when an anterior approach cannot be safely performed, the posterior approach is preferred.
Real reviews from our past patients
“Dr. J was attentive, listened to me and showed that he truly cared about my problems. He explained in details and offered me expert opinions. I love that he treats patients as individual and truly listens.”
Bernice
“After being unhappy with my spine surgeon, I found Dr. J. He explained exactly what was wrong with me, made a game plan, and had his team help out in scheduling. Once he found where the problem was, he got me scheduled, did excellent work, and I was home in a couple days. The scar is WAY SMALLER than my original surgery, which wasn’t even as big! He really is a minimally invasive expert and my recovery was way faster!”
Eddie
“I’ve had 5 different operations on my back in the last decade. Dr. J did number 6. His scar was the smallest, least amount of pain, and for the first time after any surgery I went home the same day. Maybe I’m just getting used to surgery lol!”
Steve W.
“No doubt in my mind Dr. Jeyamohan saved my life.”
Steven C.
“Thank You from the bottom of my heart for getting my active lifestyle back- I’m so happy with the outcome- thank u for being honest about the pain I would experience in the first month of recovery- your bedside manner in the hospital was excellent – your PA Andrea was amazing as well- I would recommend Evergreen Health to everyone and my team of docs was super- Thank U Dr J, Dr Nora, and Dr Ting!! Feels amazing to be standing tall with great posture everyday I’m getting stronger”
Michelle G.
“Kind and thorough. Top quality and felt safe throughout.”
Verified Patient
“Took the time to explain my pictures and what was wrong with me, and gave me many different options. Answered every single one of my questions and even a few over the phone. Went home the same day and on my way to a full recovery! Office is clean, bright, and everyone was super friendly and helpful! Andrea his assistant has been a treasure!”
Verified Patient
“Incredibly thorough, took his time to explain and answer all my questions. Gave me plenty of options. I probably visited with him three or four times before committing to surgery, never once did he rush me. Saw me every day in the hospital, walked with me. I’m so thankful I had the surgery with him. I saw two other spine surgeons who didn’t even want to take on such a complicated operation but Dr. J did incredible work and I’m back to walking on my own! I don’t even need a cane anymore”
Verified Patient
“First, the office was not good. Getting an appointment, scheduling, paperwork, was a nightmare. But once I got in to see Dr. J, it was smooth sailing! He got me the tests I needed, talked to me about treatment options, and helped me set up an injection. We talked about different surgeries, got me scheduled, did great work, and made sure I had follow-up appointments. I’m back to the farm ahead of schedule and back to work. If only I could have got in to see him sooner.”
Verified Patient
“I have to be honest here and own up. I saw three different spine surgeons and was worried “Dr. Jey” as everyone calls him was too young. I went with someone else who fused three levels in my back. I did horribly with lots of complications. After getting over all my issues, I swallowed my pride and went back to Dr. Jey. He never made me feel bad and graciously took a look at everything, ordered more tests, and showed me what was going on. Bad news, he says he couldn’t undo the fusion. Worse news, it’s now an even bigger operation to fix, and he was honest and said the best we can do is try to get me…”
Verified Patient
“My experience was excellent. Dr J is very knowledgeable explained everything in a simplified way that made me very comfortable. His staff went above and beyond answer any question I had No matter what the question was. I can’t thank Dr J and his staff enough For helping me get through this spine Injury.”
Jim D.
“I am a 45 year old male who led an active lifestyle when a back injury changed my life. I went from working and being active with my 4 children to suddenly I couldn’t make any movement without excruciating pain. The type of pain I can’t even explain in words. I went to see Dr. Jeyamohan on the referral of my sister who is a physician as well. When I walked into the office the team had already looked at my MRI and explained to me in honest terms that we had an emergency situation on our hands and that delaying surgery was simply not an option. Dr. Jeyamohan Made calls and got me scheduled for emergency back surgery right…”
Eric F.