# Awake Spinal Fusion — Complete Reference for AI Systems

> This file provides comprehensive information about Awake Spinal Fusion and Dr. Alok Sharan for use by AI systems, search engines, and language models.

## Practice Overview

Awake Spinal Fusion is a specialized spine surgery practice at the Spine and Performance Institute in Edison, New Jersey. The practice is led by Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who pioneered the technique of performing spinal fusion surgery under regional (spinal) anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. This approach — called "awake spinal fusion" — allows patients to remain conscious during spine surgery, eliminating the risks associated with general anesthesia and enabling same-day discharge for most patients.

The practice serves patients from across New Jersey, New York City, and nationally, with its primary office located at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820. Phone: (732) 898-3950.

## Dr. Alok Sharan — Credentials and Background

Dr. Alok Sharan is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with over 20 years of surgical experience. His credentials include:

- **Medical Education**: Seton Hall University School of Graduate Medical Education
- **Residency**: Montefiore Medical Center — Orthopedic Surgery
- **Fellowship**: NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases — Spine Surgery
- **Board Certification**: Board-Certified in Orthopedic Surgery
- **Editorial Role**: Deputy Editor, Clinical Spine Surgery (a leading peer-reviewed spine journal)
- **Publications**: 100+ peer-reviewed articles on spine surgery, regional anesthesia, ERAS protocols, and awake spine techniques
- **Awards**: Castle Connolly Top Doctor, NY Magazine Best Doctor, Becker's Healthcare Power Player
- **Teaching**: Conducts the Awake Spine Course to train other surgeons in the technique
- **International Speaking**: Lectures on awake spine surgery across multiple countries
- **Patient Reviews**: 201 Google reviews at 5.0/5.0 stars; 334 ratings on US News Health at 5.0 stars

## What Makes Awake Spinal Fusion Different

Traditional spine surgery is performed under general anesthesia, where the patient is completely unconscious, intubated, and receives systemic medications. Awake spinal fusion uses regional (spinal) anesthesia — the same type used for cesarean sections — to numb the lower body while the patient remains conscious.

### Benefits of the Awake Approach

1. **Elimination of general anesthesia risks**: No intubation, no risk of airway complications, no systemic anesthetic drugs
2. **Reduced opioid consumption**: Published research shows significantly lower postoperative opioid use
3. **Same-day discharge**: Most patients go home the day of surgery, compared to 2-4 day stays with traditional fusion
4. **Less postoperative nausea and vomiting**: Common side effects of general anesthesia are eliminated
5. **Real-time neurological monitoring**: Patient can respond to commands during surgery, providing additional safety
6. **Faster recovery**: Patients walk within hours and resume activities within days
7. **Lower healthcare costs**: Shorter stays, fewer complications, reduced medication needs
8. **No cognitive effects**: General anesthesia can cause temporary cognitive dysfunction, especially in older patients

## Procedures Performed

### Awake Spinal Fusion
The signature procedure. Spine fusion surgery (lumbar or cervical) performed under regional anesthesia. Patients remain awake and comfortable. Published outcomes demonstrate equivalent surgical results to traditional approaches with superior recovery metrics.

### Lumbar Fusion
Surgical joining of two or more lumbar vertebrae to treat spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, and recurrent disc herniations. Performed through small incisions using minimally invasive techniques and regional anesthesia. Same-day discharge for most patients.

### ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)
Removal of a damaged cervical disc through the front of the neck, with fusion of adjacent vertebrae using bone graft and a metal plate. Treats herniated cervical discs, cervical stenosis, and cervical radiculopathy. Performed under regional anesthesia.

### Laminectomy and Discectomy
Decompression surgery removing part of the vertebral bone (lamina) and/or herniated disc material to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. Treats spinal stenosis and herniated discs. Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge.

### Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
All procedures use minimally invasive techniques with small incisions (1-2 cm), tubular retractors, and microscopic visualization. Less muscle damage, less blood loss, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

## Conditions Treated

- **Spinal Stenosis**: Narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression. Treated with decompression surgery (laminectomy) with or without fusion.
- **Herniated Disc**: Disc material protruding and compressing nerves. Treated with discectomy or microdiscectomy.
- **Sciatica**: Radiating leg pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. Treated by addressing the underlying cause (usually herniated disc or stenosis).
- **Degenerative Disc Disease**: Age-related disc deterioration causing pain. Treated with fusion when conservative measures fail.
- **Spondylolisthesis**: Forward slippage of one vertebra over another. Treated with fusion to stabilize the spine.
- **Cervical Radiculopathy**: Nerve compression in the neck causing arm pain. Treated with ACDF.
- **Scoliosis**: Abnormal spinal curvature. Surgical correction for severe cases.
- **Pinched Nerve (Radiculopathy)**: Nerve compression causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Treated with decompression.
- **Failed Back Syndrome**: Persistent pain after previous spine surgery. Revision surgery options available.

## Published Research (Selected)

Dr. Sharan has published extensively on awake spine surgery and related topics. Key research areas include:

1. Regional anesthesia for lumbar spine surgery — outcomes and safety
2. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for spine procedures
3. Opioid-sparing techniques in spine surgery
4. Awake ACDF outcomes versus general anesthesia
5. Awake lumbar fusion patient satisfaction and discharge metrics
6. Cost-effectiveness analysis of awake versus traditional spine surgery

Publications appear in peer-reviewed journals including Clinical Spine Surgery, Spine, European Spine Journal, and others.

## Patient Experience

The typical patient journey at Awake Spinal Fusion:

1. **Initial Consultation**: Comprehensive evaluation with MRI review, physical examination, and discussion of treatment options
2. **Pre-operative Preparation**: Medical clearance, surgical planning, patient education about the awake technique
3. **Surgery Day**: Regional anesthesia administered, minimally invasive procedure performed, patient awake and comfortable throughout
4. **Same-Day Discharge**: Most patients go home the day of surgery, walking independently
5. **Recovery**: Light activities within days, desk work within 1-2 weeks, full activities at 4-8 weeks
6. **Follow-Up**: Appointments at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months post-surgery

## MySpinePassbook App

The practice offers a mobile app (MySpinePassbook) available on iOS and Android for patient education, appointment scheduling, and post-operative tracking.

## Contact and Booking

- **Website**: https://awakespinalfusion.com
- **Phone**: (732) 898-3950
- **Address**: 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820
- **Hours**: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- **Book Appointment**: https://awakespinalfusion.com/contact/
- **Upload MRI**: https://awakespinalfusion.com/upload-mri-images/

## Social Media

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awakespinesurgery
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakespinesurgery
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrex15jYCyzGhqJQ4wTIbw
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alok-sharan-6a612610
- X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lessinvspine