Request an Appointment

Please call our office at 816-363-2500 to make an appointment. Don’t forget to bring your imaging studies with you.

What is Cervical Foraminotomy?

Cervical Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on spinal nerves by widening the area around those nerves.

A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves as they exit the spine through an opening known as the foramen. When this surgery is performed in the neck region, it is known as cervical foraminotomy. This is a minimally invasive procedure for widening the area where the spinal nerve roots exit the spinal column.

Who needs a Cervical Foraminotomy?

Cervical Foraminotomy is suggested for patients who have bone spurs or herniated discs that are causing cervical nerve root compression. Symptoms of cervical nerve root compression include pain in the neck and shoulders. Pins and needles, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and arms are also symptoms.

Your healthcare provider can review the exact symptoms and causes that apply to you and why you may be a candidate for the anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. 

Cervical foraminotomy is utilized only if the conservative treatments have failed to relieve the pain, or…

  • If there is evidence of severe weakness
  • If the pain in the arm is so severe that narcotic analgesia fail to control the pain
  • If there is a suggestion of spinal cord compression and myelopathy

Incision

We give the patient general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision down the middle of the rear of the neck. The skin and soft tissues are retracted to expose the bony roof of the spine.

Removal of Spinal Bone

The surgeon removes and clears away the bone from posterior arch of the spine. This helps the surgeon to have access to the pinched nerve root and herniated disc in the spinal canal.

Removal of Herniated Disc

The surgeon checks the freedom of the nerve with the help of a small instrument. The surgeon then removes the thickened ligament, bone spurs, and herniated discs. This helps to take the tension and pressure off the nerve root.

Closure

The surgery ends when the surgeon puts the muscles and soft tissues back in place. The wound is then closed with the help of stitches or medical glue.

What Happens After the Surgery?

Usually the patient can get out of his or her bed within an hour or two after the surgery. The surgeon may advise you to wear a soft neck (cervical) collar. We will instruct you to move your neck very carefully and comfortably.

In most cases, patients can leave the hospital the day after surgery. Patients are usually safe to drive within a week or two. They can get back to light work by four weeks. They can take part in heavier work and sports within two to three months after the surgery.

This material is intended to give the patient an overview of surgical procedures and treatments and is not intended to replace the advice and guidance of a physician. Always consult with your doctor about the particular risks and benefits of your treatment.