Lumbar Fusion in Edison, NJ
If you are seeking lumbar fusion in Edison, NJ, Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS, offers a pioneering awake approach right here in Edison at The Spine and Performance Institute — 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Dr. Sharan performs lumbar fusion surgery using regional anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, enabling same-day discharge, faster recovery, and significantly fewer complications for patients in Edison and across Middlesex County. With 20+ years of experience and 201 five-star Google reviews, Dr. Sharan is the region’s most trusted expert in lumbar spine surgery in NJ.
Years Experience
Why Choose Awake Lumbar Fusion?
Regional anesthesia — no general anesthesia required
Same-day discharge in most cases
2–4 week recovery vs. 6–12 weeks traditional fusion
Fewer complications and significantly less blood loss
Opioid-sparing — reduced need for narcotic pain medication
Pioneer technique — Dr. Sharan co-edited Awake Spine Surgery (Thieme, 2026)
Castle Connolly Top Doctor & NY Magazine Best Doctor
100+ peer-reviewed published studies on spine surgery outcomes
What Is Lumbar Fusion Surgery?
Lumbar fusion is a spinal procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the lower back (L1–L5) to eliminate painful motion at a damaged or unstable segment. The fused vertebrae heal together over time, stabilizing the spine and relieving nerve compression. Dr. Sharan uses minimally invasive techniques and his signature awake approach to perform lumbar fusion with smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and a dramatically shorter recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Lumbar fusion may be recommended when conservative treatments — including physical therapy, injections, and medication — have failed to provide lasting relief. It is one of the most commonly performed spine procedures for debilitating lower back and leg pain caused by structural problems in the lumbar spine.
Conditions Treated with Lumbar Fusion
Types of Lumbar Fusion Performed by Dr. Sharan
Dr. Sharan selects the most appropriate lumbar fusion technique based on each patient’s anatomy, diagnosis, and overall health goals. Common approaches include:
- TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) — A minimally invasive posterior approach accessing the disc space through the neural foramen. Most common technique for single- or two-level lumbar fusion.
- ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) — An anterior approach through the abdomen, offering excellent disc height restoration with less disruption to back muscles.
- XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) — A lateral approach allowing large implant placement with minimal blood loss — ideal for patients with prior back surgery.
- PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) — A posterior midline approach, used in select cases requiring wide neural decompression alongside fusion.
All approaches are performed using Dr. Sharan’s awake technique with regional anesthesia, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia and enabling faster recovery.
Awake Lumbar Fusion vs. Traditional Fusion
| Traditional Lumbar Fusion | Awake Lumbar Fusion — Dr. Sharan |
|---|---|
| General anesthesia | Regional anesthesia — with sedation |
| 1–3 day hospital stay | Same-day discharge in most cases |
| 6–12 week recovery | 2–4 week recovery |
| Higher risk of complications | Fewer complications, less blood loss |
| Higher anesthesia-related risks | Avoids risks of general anesthesia |
| Higher cost | Lower cost, most insurance accepted |
Patients considering spinal fusion without general anesthesia in Edison, NJ can schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharan to determine if the awake approach is right for them.
About Dr. Alok Sharan — Edison’s Lumbar Fusion Specialist
Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon based in Edison, NJ. Fellowship-trained at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, he is the Deputy Editor of Clinical Spine Surgery — one of the most respected peer-reviewed journals in the field — and has authored over 100 published studies on spine surgery outcomes.
Dr. Sharan pioneered the awake spinal fusion technique and co-edited the definitive textbook on the subject. Recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and NY Magazine Best Doctor, he has earned 201 five-star Google reviews from patients across Edison, Metuchen, New Brunswick, Woodbridge, and throughout Middlesex County. His practice at The Spine and Performance Institute offers Edison-area patients direct access to nationally recognized lumbar fusion expertise — without the need to travel to New York City.
To upload MRI images for review before your consultation, use our secure portal: https://app.mymedicalimages.com/fupi/awake-spinal-fusion.
Frequently Asked Questions — Lumbar Fusion Edison NJ
Where is the lumbar fusion center located in Edison?
Dr. Sharan’s office is at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820. Edison patients can reach us easily via Route 1, the Garden State Parkway, or NJ Turnpike Exit 10. Call (732) 898-3950 to schedule.
Am I a candidate for lumbar fusion in Edison?
Candidates for lumbar fusion typically have structural problems — such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis — that have not responded to at least 6 weeks of conservative care. Dr. Sharan reviews MRI and clinical findings to determine if fusion is the right next step or if a less invasive option is preferable.
How long is recovery after lumbar fusion with the awake technique?
Most of Dr. Sharan’s lumbar fusion patients are discharged same-day and return to light activities within 2–4 weeks. This compares to 6–12 weeks with traditional open fusion. Full recovery and fusion healing typically completes within 3–6 months.
Is awake lumbar fusion safe?
Yes. The awake approach using regional anesthesia is safe and has been performed by Dr. Sharan on hundreds of patients. Avoiding general anesthesia reduces the risk of cardiac, pulmonary, and cognitive complications — particularly beneficial for older patients and those with underlying health conditions.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sharan for lumbar fusion in Edison?
No referral is required. Edison-area patients can call (732) 898-3950 or visit our contact page to book directly. New patients are typically seen within 1–2 weeks.
What procedures are alternatives to lumbar fusion?
Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Sharan may recommend microdiscectomy, laminectomy, or targeted injections before considering fusion. A thorough consultation and MRI review will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
Dial 732-898-3950 now to schedule a consultation and learn how awake lumbar fusion can change your life.
Dr. Sharan also provides spine surgery in Edison, NJ for a full range of conditions. Patients interested in minimally invasive spine surgery in Edison can learn more about all available procedures. For a complete overview of lower back surgical options, visit our lumbar spine surgery NJ page. Dr. Sharan also serves nearby Union County — learn about lumbar fusion in Cranford, NJ.
