What is a foraminotomy surgery?
Foraminotomy is surgery that widens the opening in your spine where nerve roots leave your spinal canal. You may have a narrowing of the nerve opening (foraminal stenosis).
Why is a foraminotomy performed?
Called a foraminotomy, this maneuver enlarges the neural foramen (where the spinal nerves exit the spinal canal). If a herniated disc is causing compression the surgeon will perform a discectomy. Figure 6. A foraminotomy removes the bone narrowing the nerve root canals.
How long does a foraminotomy last?
How Long Does The Cervical Posterior Foraminotomy Procedure Take? The entire operation may take approximately two hours. Patients are escorted to the operating room well before surgery to complete any last-minute preparations.
How long does it take to heal from foraminotomy?
Full recovery time is typically between two and three months. It is imperative patients complete physical therapy as designated by their spine surgeon to help ensure the best possible outcome from the foraminotomy.
What is a foraminotomy?
A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure. It enlarges the area around one of the bones in your spinal column. The surgery relieves pressure on compressed nerves.
What is a successful cervical posterior foraminotomy?
A successful cervical posterior foraminotomy results in an uncompressed nerve root, freeing you from pain. A bundle of nerves (nerve root) leaves your spinal cord through openings in your spinal column. These openings are called the neural foramens.
What happens during a posterior foraminotomy for a herniated disc?
If your surgeon finds a fragment of herniated disc beneath the nerve root, he removes it. A successful cervical posterior foraminotomy results in an uncompressed nerve root, freeing you from pain. A bundle of nerves (nerve root) leaves your spinal cord through openings in your spinal column.
What are the risks of a foraminotomy?
Risks of foraminotomy are: 1 Infection in wound or vertebral bones 2 Damage to a spinal nerve, causing weakness, pain, or loss of feeling 3 Partial or no relief of pain after surgery 4 Return of back pain in the future