Foraminotomy is a procedure designed to alleviate pressure on nerves by giving space to the area around a bone in the spinal column. The nerves around the spinal cord exit through passages called neuroforamina. If the neuroforamina is narrowed because of age, injury or other condition, it causes pressure on the nerve resulting in pain. This is when the foraminotomy is required, which enlarges the passage by removing that which is causing the constriction.
Depending on your symptoms, your surgeon may recommend the following as part of your foraminotomy:
LAMINOTOMY: This procedure removes part of the lamina, or the roof of the spinal canal that provides support and protection for the backside of the spinal cord. The removed piece is only big enough to alleviate the pressure.
Conditions Treated With Foraminotomy
Spinal Stenosis is what a foraminotomy will be used to treat. Stenosis is a condition which may occur at any part of the back or neck. Conditions which cause spinal stenosis could be a degenerative arthritis in the spine, called spondylosis, bulging and/or degenerating discs, an enlarged ligament, tumor or cyst, congenital problems such as dwarfism, or a skeletal disease like Paget disease.
Foraminotomy Procedure
Also known as decompression surgery, a foraminotomy will create more space in the spinal canal to alleviate pressure. Through an incision in the middle of the back, the surgeon will shave or cut some bone in order to open the nerve root opening, called the foramen and remove any fragments of discs.
In a laminotomy, a bone is removed from the back of the vertebrae as a way to create more room. Then, a spinal fusion may be necessary to provide stability to the spine.
Post Surgery
To help the healing process, patients will wear a soft neck collar. After just a couple of hours, most patients are ready to sit up and move about and after a day of observation are ready to go home the day after. Of course, results will vary depending on the patient.
Why Bonex?
At Bonex Klinik, innovative treatment plans are designed specific to cervical spine and neck treatment that addresses the source of pain. Our expert team of clinic staff is able to successfully explore which options of treatment are best for you after a thorough assessment. Using top-tier technology, Bonex Klinik doctors are able to address the source of pain and create a simple to understand patient care plan getting you back to life as soon as possible. We recognize that in seeking treatment you have many options. You will find an excellent team of healthcare professionals at Bonex Klinik with a specific collaborative planning team that will help you achieve the pain free outcomes you desire.
From diagnosis to discharge, spine treatment is developed by your highly trained team of specialists specific to what you require.
