A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure done to relieve the symptoms of a pinched/copmpressed nerve by enlarging the neural foramen. The neural foramen is an opening where nerve roots exit the spine and travel throughout the body. It creates a protective passageway for nerves that carry signals between the spinal cord and the rest of the body. A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure that is done to enlarge that passageway. The term foraminectomy is sometimes used if during the foraminotomy a large amount of bone or other material is removed.
Often this procedure can be performed in a minimally invasive way, however your neurosurgeon will discuss the best options for your particular situation.
Symptoms
A pinched nerve in the neck can cause
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, and hand
- Numbness, tingling and/or weakness in the arm and hand.
Causes
- Herniated discs
- Bone spurs and thickened ligaments or joints
Surgery
Patients who do not improve with conservative treatment may be candidates for surgery.
- Patient lies on their stomach
- A small incision is made on the symptomatic side of the neck or back
- The muscles are gradually dilated and a tubular retractor is placed to give the surgeon access to the spine.
- Bone or disc material and/or thickened ligaments are then removed to decompress and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves.
- The tubular retractor is removed, allowing the dilated muscles to come back together.
- The incision is closed, and in most instances results in only a small scar.
Please note that above describes the procedure when performed minimally invasively but not everyone is a candidate. Your surgeon will discuss if this is the best option for your particular situation.
