Brinkley, 52, injured her back during a December family ski trip in Aspen and her condition worsened recently, E! News said.

Doctors decided an operation would be best, publicist Marcia Horowitz said. The procedure, performed Tuesday, was successful, and Brinkley should be discharged from the hospital Friday.

Christie's biggest disappointment was missing a performance by her daughter, Alexa Joel, and the pre-concert supper party she planned to host in Joel's honor, Horowitz said. Joel, following famous dad Billy Joel's footsteps, plays piano and fronts her own band.