Foraminotomy: Indications

Foraminotomy: Surgery

Foraminotomy surgery can be done as a minimally invasive procedure. After a small incision is made, either endoscopic or tubular retraction techniques are employed to gain access to affected neuroforamen. Cutting and burring tools are used to remove bone spurs (osteophytes), ligament tissue, disc material and other materials from the compressed nerve roots. The wound is closed with absorbable sutures.

Foraminotomy: Surgery Risks

All surgery carries risks from anesthesia, blood clots and infections. If complications from these risks arise, they most often can be successfully treated. The physical condition of the patient (such as obesity and diabites) can also add risk to surgery.

Foraminotomy: Surgery Long-Term Outlook

The appropriate surgical procedure properly executed will provide long-term relief for the degenerated segments treated. However, if the condition was allowed to continue too long and the nerves have become damaged, there may be some remaining pain or numbness or no improvement. Also, any degenerative process will likely continue, and problems in other areas of the spine may appear at a later time.