What To Expect From Cervical Foraminotomy Surgery?

Cervical Foraminotomy
Posterior cervical Foraminotomy eases spinal nerve root compression by creating more room for the nerve root to pass through the foramen – the hollow bony archway created by grafts of adjacent vertebrae, which is the passage way through which all spinal nerve roots run.

Who Needs Cervical Foraminotomy?
With age and reduced bone health, many people experience neck pain, which is caused by a herniated disc. Cervical spine disease is a common problem seen in adults.

Many people who experience neck pain are able to acquire relief from their distress through intensive rehab and therapies.

However, when traditional management hasn’t resolved the pain, experts may recommend cervical artificial disc replacement surgery.

Symptoms of cervical disc degeneration and disease may include:

• Stiffness and pain in the neck.
• Clumsiness or problems with balancing.
• Pain that radiates to the shoulders or arms.
• Weakness of the arms, shoulders, hands, or legs.
• Unresponsiveness or tingling in the arms.

 

Posterior cervical Foraminotomy is an excellent treatment modality management for patients with unilateral radiculopathy secondary to a laterally located herniated disc or foraminal stenosis.

It is minimally invasive spine surgery.

How is Cervical Foraminotomy Performed?
Posterior cervical Foraminotomy is performed by our spine surgeons.

After a complete checkup and study of the patient’s history by our spine specialists, the procedure is discussed with the patient. Certain important factors are considered before the procedure is recommended. Factors like age, lifestyle, general health, and anticipated physical activity after the procedure are thoroughly discussed by the specialists.

Cervical Foraminotomy is performed using general anesthesia. A tube is placed in the patient’s trachea so the patient can breathe throughout the surgery using a ventilator.

Our specialists administer preoperative intravenous antibiotics to reduce the threat of infection.

The expert team at Complete Medical Wellness Center meticulously maintains a bacteria-free environment throughout the procedure to minimize the risk of infection.

After induction of anesthesia, the patient is placed in a prone position on a Jackson table with six posts and with the head placed on a soft facial pillow. The target level is localized by placing a needle lateral to the midline over the target level and confirming with lateral fluoroscopy.

An incision is made over the target level. A blunt dilator is then advanced down the lateral mass of the operative level. Once confirmed with fluoroscopy, the deep cervical fascia is released.

A series of larger dilators are placed over the initial dilator, and then the tubular retractor is secured into place after the last dilator. Any remaining muscle or soft tissue is removed from the lateral lamina and medial aspect of the facet.

Laminoforaminotomy is then performed using a high-speed drill to remove the outer cortical bone and cancellous bone.

The Foraminotomy is continued laterally until the lateral margin of the pedicle begins to fall away. A nerve hook can be used to retract the nerve root to allow access to the disc space.

Loose fragments can be easily removed with a micro-pituitary rongeur. Contained fragments can then be removed by incising the posterior longitudinal ligament with the use of reverse angled curettes and a micro-pituitary rongeur.

We offer the best possible treatment options and the finest post-operative care after laser spine surgery and spinal fusion. Call us now to regain your spine health at CMW, your number one medical service provider.