Board-Certified spine surgeons serving Southern New Jersey with a combined 60+ years of expertise and a singular commitment to precision over convenience.
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Premier Orthopaedic Associates offers expert spine treatment in Southern New Jersey. Our board-certified, spine surgeons provide personalized care for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, cervical radiculopathy, and more across four convenient locations.
We don't chase surgical trends. We apply disciplined, time-tested methods to each patient's unique anatomy and life.
Heritage and LineageTraining rooted in Yale, UCSF, and 35 years of dedicated practice in Southern New Jersey communities. Our methods are grounded in proven first principles, not the procedure of the month.
Your Journey. Your Spine. Your SolutionTwo identical images rarely produce identical treatment plans. Your anatomy, your lifestyle, and your goals shape the approach. From office professionals to skilled tradespeople and competitive athletes with the same diagnosis often need fundamentally different care.
Stewardship FirstWe prioritize non-surgical treatment whenever appropriate. Surgery is recommended only when the evidence, anatomy, and when a shared decision makes surgery the clear path forward.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | Fellowship-Trained, UCSF | Chief Resident, Yale
Dr. Shah completed his spine surgery fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, one of the most selective programs in the country and widely regarded as a benchmark for minimally invasive technique and complex case training. Before that, he served as Chief Resident in Orthopedic Surgery at Yale University, a designation reserved for top clinical performers recognized by the program faculty. His training puts him among a small group of spine surgeons whose foundation was built at two of the most respected academic medical programs in the United States. That standard of training is what every patient receives at Premier Orthopaedic Associates.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | Fellowship-Trained, UCSF | Chief Resident, Yale
Dr. Shah does not treat imaging reports. He treats patients. Every consultation follows the same framework: understand the patient's actual functional problem, identify the structural source through examination and imaging correlation, and be direct about whether conservative management can resolve it and on what timeline. Surgery is recommended when the anatomy and clinical picture together justify it, not before, and not avoided when the evidence clearly supports it. His approach at every Premier Orthopaedic Associates location reflects the same principle: the smallest intervention that reliably solves the problem is the right one, whether that is physical therapy, an injection, a minimally invasive procedure, or open surgery.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | Fellowship-Trained, UCSF | Chief Resident, Yale
Dr. Shah is co-inventor of the Stablimax-NZ dynamic stabilization device and has participated as an investigator in FDA IDE clinical trials, placing him among a small group of practicing surgeons whose patients have access to emerging spine technologies before they reach the broader market. His research spans circumferential fusion, thoracolumbar burst fractures, and minimally invasive cervical technique. He has presented original work at SMISS, CSRS, the Global Spine Congress, and Spine Summit, and his clinical expertise has been cited by journalists at the New York Times, Forbes, TIME, and Consumer Reports. Patients treated by Dr. Shah benefit from a surgeon who is not only practicing current spine surgery but helping to shape it.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | Fellowship-Trained, UCSF | Chief Resident, Yale
Top Doctor recognition in New Jersey is a peer-nominated distinction: physicians identifying the surgeons they would refer their own patients to. It is not self-submitted and not purchased. Dr. Shah's inclusion reflects a reputation that extends beyond his own practice into the broader medical community of Southern New Jersey. He also serves as faculty at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, contributing to the clinical training of the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. For patients, these are independent signals that the judgment they receive at any Premier Orthopaedic Associates location carries the same weight as care at any major academic medical center.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | NASS Member | 35+ Years Southern New Jersey
Dr. Zerbo is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who completed his residency at Kennedy Memorial Hospital / UMDNJ, where he served as Chief Resident. His D.O. degree is not simply a credential distinction. It represents a foundational philosophy: osteopathic medicine trains physicians to evaluate the body as an integrated system rather than isolated parts, and that lens shapes how Dr. Zerbo evaluates every spine patient he sees. He has held an active membership in the North American Spine Society since 1999, staying current on the evidence that informs both his surgical and conservative recommendations. With more than 35 years of practice in Southern New Jersey, his clinical depth is matched with world-renowned expertise, delivered with the accessibility and personal attention of a community-based practice.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | NASS Member | 35+ Years Southern New Jersey
Dr. Zerbo evaluates the spine in the context of the whole person. His osteopathic training established a framework for understanding how posture, occupation, lifestyle, and full-body mechanics contribute to spinal symptoms and to recovery. Thirty-five years of practice in South Jersey have reinforced that framework with clinical experience: he understands what physically demanding work does to a spine over decades, what a realistic recovery looks like for a patient who cannot take months away from a job, and what it means to give a patient a straight answer rather than a convenient one. His recommendations reflect the evidence base and the individual sitting across from him.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | NASS Member | 35+ Years Southern New Jersey
Dr. Zerbo holds hospital and surgical facility appointments across South Jersey's leading medical centers and ambulatory surgery facilities. That geographic breadth means patients access surgical care at the site most appropriate for their procedure, their insurance, and their location, with a surgeon who has established working relationships with the anesthesia, nursing, and surgical support teams at each facility. For complex cases requiring a full hospital environment and for procedures well-suited to an outpatient surgery center, Dr. Zerbo's facility reach ensures the care setting matches the clinical need. It is one of the practical advantages of choosing a surgeon who has built his practice in this region for more than three decades.
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon | NASS Member | 35+ Years Southern New Jersey
Dr. Zerbo founded Zerbo Spine, PA, before joining Premier Orthopaedic Associates, building a spine practice rooted in the Southern New Jersey communities he continues to serve. His referring physician relationships across South Jersey span decades: primary care doctors, physiatrists, and neurologists who have been sending patients to Dr. Zerbo because they trust his judgment and know their patients will be treated with honesty. He has presented at the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Lumbar Spine Symposium and the American Trial Lawyers Association national conference, and served as keynote speaker at the New Jersey Inn of Court. That combination of community depth and national academic engagement is what gives the POA spine program its foundation of regional trust.
When conservative care has been thoroughly explored and symptoms persist, our spine team offers the full range of modern surgical options. Every recommendation is made because the clinical evidence and the patient's individual circumstances support it. Below is an overview of the procedures our surgeons perform, with links to dedicated pages for each.
Robotic-assisted spine surgery combines advanced real-time imaging with navigational guidance to help enhance precision during spinal procedures. Rather than performing the surgery, the technology serves as a sophisticated guidance system, allowing the surgeon to confirm accurate placement of screws and implants before they are secured in their final position. This added level of accuracy can be especially valuable in complex multilevel spinal fusions, revision procedures, and minimally invasive spine surgeries where precision is critical. By combining advanced technology with surgical expertise and judgment, robotic assistance brings greater precision to the art of spine surgery, supporting personalized surgical planning and confident implant placement.
Minimally invasive spine surgery describes a family of surgical techniques performed through small incisions using specialized instruments and real-time imaging. The goal is to address the source of pain while causing the least possible disruption to surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues. At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, MISS is not treated as a marketing phrase but as a surgical philosophy: approach the problem precisely, protect what does not need to be disturbed, and give the patient the fastest, most durable recovery possible. MISS techniques are applicable to disc herniations, spinal stenosis, foraminal narrowing, and certain fusion procedures.
A laminectomy removes a portion of the lamina, the posterior arch of the vertebra, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It is one of the most established procedures in spine surgery and is used to treat stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative changes that narrow the spinal canal. Decompression can be performed in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine depending on the location of symptoms. Our surgeons perform both traditional open and minimally invasive decompression, selecting the approach based on the complexity of the compression and the patient's overall health.
A microdiscectomy is a precise, targeted procedure that removes a small portion of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve root. It is one of the most commonly performed spine surgeries and is particularly effective for lumbar disc herniations causing sciatica. Performed through a small incision with magnification and careful tissue preservation, microdiscectomy allows most patients to return to light activity within a few weeks. It is often recommended when nerve compression symptoms, including radiating leg pain or weakness, have not responded adequately to conservative care.
Spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae to eliminate painful motion at a compromised segment. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is performed through a posterior approach and is well-suited for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and revision cases. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) accesses the disc space from the front of the body, allowing a larger implant and potentially greater restoration of disc height. Our surgeons select the approach based on the patient's anatomy, the extent of degeneration, and the degree of correction required. Both procedures are offered at Premier Orthopaedic Associates and may be performed using minimally invasive techniques when appropriate.
Cervical disc replacement (arthroplasty) preserves motion at the treated cervical disc level by replacing the degenerated disc with a mobile prosthetic device. It is an alternative to cervical fusion for appropriately selected patients and is designed to reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration over time. The procedure addresses cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy caused by disc herniation or degenerative disc disease. Dr. Shah has specific expertise in cervical disc replacement and minimally invasive cervical approaches, reflected in his academic and research contributions to this area.
A foraminotomy enlarges the foramen, the bony opening through which a nerve root exits the spinal canal, to relieve pressure caused by narrowing or bone spurs. It is commonly performed in the cervical spine for radiculopathy and can be done as a standalone procedure or in combination with other decompressive techniques. The procedure preserves spinal motion and is an effective option for patients with foraminal stenosis that has not responded to conservative management.
Cervical radiculopathy, often called a pinched nerve in the neck, produces pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Treatment begins with a conservative approach: physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and image-guided cervical epidural injections. When conservative care does not provide lasting relief, surgical options including posterior foraminotomy, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), or cervical disc replacement are evaluated based on the specific level and nature of compression. Our team offers both surgical and non-surgical pathways and guides each patient through the evidence for their specific presentation.
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to stabilize vertebral compression fractures, most commonly caused by osteoporosis. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inflated within the fractured vertebra to restore height before bone cement is injected to stabilize the fracture. Vertebroplasty uses cement injection without the balloon-assisted step. Both procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis and provide rapid pain relief for patients whose fractures have not responded to conservative management. They are appropriate for recent, painful fractures with evidence of vertebral instability on imaging.
Most patients who visit Premier Orthopaedic Associates for a spine evaluation are not yet candidates for surgery, and that is by design. Our initial goal is always to understand the full picture of a patient's condition, exhaust every appropriate conservative option, and reserve surgical recommendations for the cases where the evidence clearly supports intervention.
A consultation with our spine team is appropriate if you are experiencing any of the following:
A consultation does not commit you to surgery. It commits our team to understanding your condition thoroughly and giving you an honest, evidence-based assessment of your options. Most patients leave their first appointment with a clearer picture of their diagnosis and a specific, staged plan for conservative care before any surgical discussion takes place.
Your first appointment begins with a thorough conversation, not just a review of your imaging. Your surgeon will ask about your lifestyle, what activities you have lost to pain, and what recovery means to you. After reviewing your history and imaging, a detailed assessment and preliminary care plan will be shared with you before you leave.
If additional imaging or diagnostic studies are needed, our team will coordinate them quickly and explain what they are looking for and why. You will never be left waiting without a clear understanding of the next step.
For most patients, the first phase of treatment involves a structured conservative plan including physical therapy, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, and possibly image-guided injections. Progress is monitored at follow-up appointments and the plan is adjusted based on your response.
When surgery is the right next step, your surgeon will walk you through the procedure in detail, including what will be done, what will be protected, what the recovery timeline looks like, and what outcomes are realistically expected based on your specific anatomy and condition. There is no pressure and no rushing.
Our surgical team coordinates every aspect of your procedure, from pre-operative preparation through inpatient or outpatient care. Postoperative instructions are detailed and specific. Rehabilitation milestones are set in advance so you always know where you are in the recovery process.
Spine care does not end at discharge. Our team monitors your recovery at regular intervals, adjusts therapy as needed, and remains available to you as your condition and activity level evolve. Many of our patients remain part of the POA community for years following their initial treatment.
Premier Orthopaedic Associates has established clinics across New Jersey, with a location convenient to you. Discover advanced, personalized care from a team of specialists in orthopedic medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. We focus on relieving pain and restoring function, treating our patients with respect, dignity, and unparalleled personal care.
1004 Haddonfield Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
330 Front Street,
Elmer, NJ 08318
1999 New Road, Ste. B
Linwood, NJ 08221
4 Burton Lane, Suite 300
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
698 Mullica Hill Road, Suite 150
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
201 Tomlin Station Road,
Suite C Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
298 S. Delsea Drive,
Vineland, NJ 08360
556 Egg Harbor Rd, Suite A
Sewell, NJ 08080
352 S. Delsea Drive, Suite C
Vineland, NJ 08360
800 Jessup Road, Suite 809
West Deptford, NJ 08086
1450 N. Almonesson Rd.
Deptford, NJ 08096
298 S. Delsea Drive,
Vineland, NJ 08360
330 Front Street Elmer, NJ 08318
(856) 896-23434 Burton Lane, Suite 300 Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
(856) 896-2343
Most patients with spine conditions do not ultimately need surgery. The determining factors include the type and severity of the condition, how long symptoms have been present, how they have responded to physical therapy and other conservative treatments, and the degree to which they are interfering with daily life. At your first consultation, our surgeons will review your imaging, assess your symptoms, and give you a clear, honest recommendation. Conservative care is almost always the starting point unless there is a neurological emergency such as rapidly progressing weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control.
Traditional open spine surgery uses a longer incision and involves moving or cutting muscle tissue to reach the spine. Minimally invasive techniques achieve the same surgical goals through smaller incisions, using specialized instruments and real-time imaging to navigate with precision. The result is typically less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to activity, and reduced postoperative pain. Not every spine condition is a candidate for a minimally invasive approach. Our surgeons select the technique based on what is clinically appropriate for each patient's specific anatomy and the complexity of the procedure required.
Our spine surgeons see patients across our Southern New Jersey network of locations. Scheduling and availability vary by location. When you request a consultation, our patient care team will match you with the appropriate surgeon and the most convenient location based on your diagnosis and needs. Both surgeons collaborate on complex cases and share clinical resources across the practice.
Recovery timelines vary significantly depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. A microdiscectomy may allow return to light activity within two to four weeks. A spinal fusion involving multiple levels typically requires a structured rehabilitation program over three to six months. Your surgeon will give you a specific, realistic recovery timeline during your consultation and pre-operative planning appointments. We set milestones in advance so you always know where you are in the process and what to expect next.
We recommend bringing any prior imaging studies, including MRI, CT, or X-ray discs and reports, along with a list of current medications, a summary of prior treatments such as physical therapy or injections, and any relevant surgical history. If you have been referred by another physician, bringing that referral and any clinical notes is helpful. Most importantly, come prepared to describe in your own words how your symptoms are affecting your daily life, what activities you have lost, and what you most want to achieve through treatment.
Every spine is different. Ours starts with listening. Schedule a consultation with our spine team and receive a care plan built specifically around your life, your anatomy, and your goals for recovery.
Request a Consultation Call Our Office4 Southern New Jersey Locations • Most Major Insurance Accepted • Same-Week Appointments Available
