Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Near Plainsboro, NJ
If you are looking for minimally invasive spine surgery near Plainsboro, NJ, expert care is just 20 minutes away in Edison. Board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS, performs advanced minimally invasive spine surgery at The Spine and Performance Institute, 35-37 Progress St., Edison, NJ 08820 — easily reached from Plainsboro via Route 1 North. Dr. Sharan’s pioneering awake technique means smaller incisions, no general anesthesia, same-day discharge, and a 2–4 week recovery for most patients. Plainsboro Township residents no longer need to travel to Philadelphia or New York City for world-class minimally invasive spine care.
Years Experience
Why Plainsboro Patients Choose Dr. Sharan for MISS
Only 20 minutes from Plainsboro via Route 1 North
Awake surgery — regional anesthesia, no general anesthesia risks
Same-day discharge in most cases
2–4 week recovery vs. 6–12 weeks with traditional surgery
201 five-star Google reviews — 5.0 rating
100+ peer-reviewed publications, Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Co-editor of Awake Spine Surgery — Thieme Medical Publishers (2026)
What Makes Our Minimally Invasive Approach Different
Most spine surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery under general anesthesia. Dr. Sharan goes further — he performs minimally invasive spine surgery while the patient remains awake using regional anesthesia. This “awake MISS” technique, pioneered by Dr. Sharan, provides significant advantages for Plainsboro patients:
- Eliminates general anesthesia risks — especially important for patients with heart, lung, or metabolic conditions
- Allows real-time neurological monitoring during surgery — Dr. Sharan communicates with you to confirm nerve function
- Reduces intraoperative blood loss and post-operative nausea
- Enables same-day discharge in the vast majority of cases
- Shorter recovery — most Plainsboro patients return to light activity within 2–4 weeks
Dr. Sharan has trained surgeons nationwide in this technique and has published over 100 peer-reviewed studies on regional anesthesia and enhanced recovery in spine surgery. Plainsboro patients benefit from access to one of the most experienced awake spine surgeons in the country, just 20 minutes away on Route 1.
Conditions We Treat for Plainsboro Patients
Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Spine Surgery
| Traditional Open Spine Surgery | Minimally Invasive Surgery — Dr. Sharan, Serving Plainsboro NJ |
|---|---|
| Large incisions (3–6 inches) | Tiny incisions (less than 1 inch) |
| General anesthesia required | Regional anesthesia — patient stays awake |
| 1–3 day hospital stay | Same-day discharge in most cases |
| 6–12 week recovery | 2–4 week recovery |
| Significant muscle disruption | Muscle-sparing technique |
| Higher complication risk | Fewer complications, less blood loss |
About Dr. Alok Sharan — Minimally Invasive Spine Specialist Serving Plainsboro, NJ
Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and pioneer of the awake minimally invasive spine surgery technique. He completed his fellowship at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and serves as Deputy Editor of Clinical Spine Surgery, a leading peer-reviewed journal. Dr. Sharan has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and NY Magazine Best Doctor, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications focusing on regional anesthesia, enhanced recovery, and minimally invasive techniques.
His Edison, NJ office at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5 is easily accessible from Plainsboro Township via Route 1 North — approximately 20 minutes. The office also draws patients from nearby Cranbury, South Brunswick, Monroe Township, and New Brunswick.
With over 20 years of experience and 201 five-star Google reviews, Dr. Sharan is among New Jersey’s most trusted spine surgeons. New patients are typically seen within 1–2 weeks. You can also upload your MRI images in advance to expedite your consultation.
Directions from Plainsboro NJ to Our Edison Office
From Plainsboro Township, take Route 1 North toward Edison — a straightforward drive of approximately 20 minutes with no highway changes required. Our office is conveniently located just off Route 1 in Edison. Address: 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820. Phone: (732) 898-3950.
Frequently Asked Questions — Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Plainsboro NJ
Where can I get minimally invasive spine surgery near Plainsboro, NJ?
Dr. Alok Sharan performs minimally invasive spine surgery at 35-37 Progress St., Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820 — approximately 20 minutes from Plainsboro via Route 1 North. Call (732) 898-3950 to schedule — no referral required.
What is the difference between minimally invasive and open spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and real-time imaging to treat spinal conditions with far less tissue disruption than traditional open surgery. Dr. Sharan also performs MISS under regional anesthesia — eliminating general anesthesia risks entirely.
Am I a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?
Most patients with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, or spondylolisthesis are candidates for MISS. Dr. Sharan will review your imaging and symptoms during your consultation to determine the best approach for your condition.
How long is recovery from minimally invasive spine surgery near Plainsboro?
With Dr. Sharan’s awake MISS technique, most patients are discharged the same day and return to light activity within 2–4 weeks — compared to 6–12 weeks with traditional open surgery.
Do I need a referral from Plainsboro to see Dr. Sharan?
No referral is needed. Plainsboro patients can book directly by calling (732) 898-3950 or using our online contact form. You may also upload your MRI in advance.
Dial 732-898-3950 now to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help change your life.
Dr. Sharan also serves patients from nearby Cranbury, South Brunswick, and Monroe Township — all a short drive from our Edison, NJ spine surgery center. Learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery in NJ or view our spine surgery Plainsboro NJ page.
