Definition of Foraminotomy:

Foraminotomy is surgery that widens the opening in your back where nerve roots leave your spinal canal. You may have a narrowing of the nerve opening (foraminal stenosis).

Description:

Foraminotomy takes pressure off of a nerve in your spinal column and allows it to move more easily. It may be performed on any level of the spine. You will be asleep and feel no pain (general anesthesia).

• You will lie face down on the operating table. A cut (incision) is made in the middle of the back of your spine. The length of the incision depends on how much of your spinal column will be operated on.
• Skin, muscles, and ligaments are moved to the side. Your surgeon may use a surgical microscope to see inside your back.
• Some bone is cut or shaved away to open the nerve root opening (foramen). Any disk fragments are removed. Other bone may also be removed at the back of the vertebrae to make more room.
• If your surgeon is worried that your spine will not be stable after the bone has been removed, you may also need to have spinal fusion.
• The muscles and other tissues are put back in place, and the skin is sewn together.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

A bundle of nerves (nerve root) leaves your spinal cord through openings in your spinal column, called the neural foramen. When the openings for the nerve root become narrow, it may put pressure on your nerve. This condition is called foraminal spinal stenosis.

This surgery may be considered if you have severe symptoms that interfere with your daily life. Such symptoms include:

• Pain that may be felt in your thigh, calf, lower back, shoulder, arms or hands. It is often deep and steady
• Pain when doing certain activities or moving your body a certain way
• Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness

You will have an MRI to make sure foraminal stenosis is causing your symptoms.

You and your doctor can decide when you need to have surgery for these symptoms. Spinal stenosis symptoms often become worse over time, but this may happen very slowly.