Contact Us Menu

Advanced Spine Technology, Applied with Surgical Judgment

Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics offers next-gen technologies, such as the Disc-FX® System in New Jersey, because they align with our philosophy of addressing the source of pain using the least invasive and most effective methods available. Under the guidance of our board-certified spine surgeons, Disc-FX® is employed selectively, only when imaging, symptoms, and clinical findings indicate a targeted disc-based solution is preferable to larger reconstructive surgery.

Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics

What Is the Disc-FX® System?

The Disc-FX® System is a minimally invasive spine technology used to treat contained disc herniations—disc injuries in which the outer disc wall remains intact but internal disc material causes pain or nerve irritation. Using real-time imaging guidance, the surgeon accesses the disc through a tiny portal, preserving surrounding muscles and anatomy. Specialized instruments allow for:

  • Mechanical decompression of disc material
  • Targeted ablation of painful disc tissue
  • Modulation of pain-generating nerve fibers within the disc

Disc-FX® alleviates symptoms by reducing internal disc pressure and targeting pain-sensitive areas, without the tissue disruption associated with traditional open surgery.

Husband and wife walking on beach

Disc-FX® Options

Depending on disc location and anatomy, Disc-FX® technology may be applied to:

Lumbar Contained Disc Herniations

Lumbar disc herniations occur when the inner portion of a spinal disc bulges or protrudes while the outer disc wall (annulus fibrosus) remains intact. Although the disc has not ruptured, internal pressure and inflammation can still irritate nearby nerves and cause significant symptoms.

Patients with this type of disc pathology may experience:

  • Persistent low back pain
  • Pain radiating into the buttock or leg
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness

The Disc-FX® System is particularly well-suited for these cases because it allows surgeons to treat the disc from the inside, using a minimal-access approach that preserves surrounding anatomy.

Through a small portal, our team can:

  • Reduce internal disc pressure
  • Remove small amounts of herniated disc material
  • Address pain-generating tissue without destabilizing the spine

Cervical Disc Pathology Using a Modified Minimal-Access Approach

Certain cervical disc conditions may also be appropriate for Disc-FX®–based treatment using a modified minimal-access technique. Cervical disc pathology can cause:

  • Chronic neck pain
  • Arm pain, numbness, or tingling
  • Weakness related to nerve irritation

Because the cervical spine contains critical nerves and blood vessels, treatment must be exact. When clinically appropriate, Disc-FX® technology allows Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics to:

  • Access disc pathology through a very small incision
  • Limit disruption to muscles and surrounding soft tissue
  • Treat disc-related pain while preserving spinal stability

Disc Decompression with Annulus Modulation

Disc-related pain is not always caused solely by mechanical compression. In many patients, pain originates from microscopic nerve fibers and inflammatory changes within the annulus, the outer portion of the disc.

The Disc-FX® System addresses both contributors to discogenic pain by combining:

  • Disc decompression to reduce internal disc pressure
  • Annuluas modulation to treat pain-sensitive nerve fibers within the disc

This dual therapeutic approach may:

  • Reduce disc-related inflammation
  • Decrease pain transmission from the disc itself
  • Improve symptom relief without removing large amounts of tissue

Scientific research has shown that annular nerve ingrowth and sensitization play a significant role in chronic discogenic pain, supporting treatment strategies that directly target these pain pathways rather than relying on mechanical decompression alone.

Are You a Good Candidate for Disc-FX®?

You may be a candidate for the Disc-FX® procedure in New Jersey if you:

  • Have a contained lumbar or cervical disc herniation
  • Experience back pain with or without radiating leg or arm pain
  • Have not achieved lasting relief with conservative care (physical therapy, medication, or injections)
  • Do not have advanced spinal instability, fractures, or severe degenerative disc disease
Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics

Why Choose Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics?

Beyond advanced technology, outcomes depend on who selects and performs the procedure. Patients choose our practice because:

  • Surgeries are performed by board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons
  • We specialize in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine techniques
  • Every treatment plan is based on a precise diagnosis, not a one-size-fits-all protocol
  • We emphasize motion preservation and avoidance of unnecessary surgery whenever possible
  • Patients have direct access to their surgical team, including around-the-clock support during recovery

We’re not here simply to operate, but to choose the proper intervention for the right patient at the right time.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Disc-FX®

Consultation

  • Your consultation includes a full review of symptoms, imaging, prior treatments, and goals
  • If Disc-FX® is appropriate, we will explain expected outcomes, alternatives, and financial considerations before proceeding

Procedure

  • Performed under imaging guidance
  • Small portal used to access the affected disc
  • Disc material is decompressed, and pain-generating tissue is treated
  • The procedure is typically completed quickly and on an outpatient basis

Recovery and Results

  • Patients usually go home the same day
  • Only a small bandage is required
  • Light activity is often resumed quickly
  • Symptom improvement may begin early and continue as healing progresses
  • Keep in mind, recovery timelines vary based on individual anatomy and the extent of disc pathology

Alternative or Related Treatments

If Disc-FX® is not appropriate, other options may include:

  • Endoscopic discectomy
  • Image-guided injections
  • Minimally invasive microdiscectomy
  • Disc replacement or fusion surgery (when structurally necessary)

Each alternative is discussed transparently during consultation.

Choose Targeted, Tissue-Preserving Spine Care

If disc-related back or neck pain is limiting your life, an expert evaluation can clarify your options. Contact Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics to determine whether the Disc-FX® System—or another minimally invasive approach—may be right for you.

FAQs

Is Disc-FX® considered surgery or a minimally invasive procedure?

Disc-FX® is a minimally invasive spine procedure performed by a surgeon with imaging guidance. It causes less tissue disruption than open surgery and is usually done on an outpatient basis.

How long does a Disc-FX® procedure usually take?

Procedure time varies based on the number of discs treated and individual anatomy, but Disc-FX® procedures are generally shorter than traditional discectomy or fusion surgeries. Most patients spend less time in the operating room and can return home the same day.

Will Disc-FX® limit my future treatment options?

Disc-FX® is tissue-preserving, allowing for other treatment options such as endoscopic surgery, disc replacement, or fusion in the future without closing off future care options.

Can Disc-FX® be combined with other minimally invasive treatments?

Yes, Disc-FX® may be used with other minimally invasive techniques based on your diagnosis, imaging, symptoms, and surgical goals.

How soon can I return to work or daily activities?

Many patients can return to light activities within days, while the timing for returning to work depends on job demands, treated discs, and individual healing. Physically demanding jobs may need a more gradual return under Dr. Rovner’s guidance.

What does Disc-FX® not treat?

Disc-FX® is not intended for: - Advanced spinal instability - Severe disc collapse - Spinal fractures - Significant deformity requiring reconstruction In these cases, more structural surgical solutions may be necessary. Determining what not to do is just as important as selecting the proper treatment.

What are the risks and possible side effects of Disc-FX®?

As with any spine procedure, Disc-FX® carries potential risks, though serious complications are uncommon. Possible risks may include: - Temporary soreness at the treatment site - Incomplete symptom relief - Disc irritation or inflammation - Infection or bleeding (rare) Rest assured, we will review these risks in detail and explain how they compare with alternative treatments before proceeding.

Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics

If you are suffering from back or neck pain, it is crucial for you to receive a professional diagnosis as soon as possible. Dr. Rovner is one of the best spine surgeons in NJ who has the experience and expertise necessary to help patients actualize successful outcomes with orthopedic spine surgery.

© Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Privacy Policy

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 201.690.1381.
Contact Us