Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on nerves that are being compressed by the intervertebral foramina (openings in the bones of the vertebrae of the spine that pass nerve bundles to the body from the spinal cord).

Why is the procedure performed?
Compression of the cervical nerve roots that exit the vertebrae through the foramina (foraminal stenosis) can cause the following symptoms
• neck pain
• stiffness
• pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, and hand
• numbness
• tingling and/or weakness in the arm and hand

Procedure
During the operation, the muscles are dissected and a retractor is placed. (Sometimes an endoscope and tubular retractor or microscope are used). Bone from the posterior arch of the spine and joint over the nerve are removed using special cutting instruments and/or a drill. Thickened ligament, bone spurs and bulging discs are removed to decompress the exiting nerve, which is checked with a probe to insure adequate space around the nerve root.

Risks 

All surgical procedures carry some risk. The risks from a foraminotomy include the risks inherent to every operation (i.e. a small risk of infection, bleeding etc.). In addition to this there is a small risk of injury to the nerve or spinal cord and this should be discussed specifically with the surgeon.

Recovery 

The length of the patient's hospital stay depends on the extent of the surgery. Some patients may be discharged home the same day as surgery. Most patients require a day or two of hospital care.