Foraminotomy is derived from two words “foramen” meaning an aperture or an opening and “otomy” meaning to cut. Advancing age and musculoskeletal degenerative diseases like arthritis can be cause of overgrown ligaments and bone spurs thus leading to the narrowing of the neural foramen. Foraminotomy refers to a surgical procedure where a surgeon cuts into the neuroforamen (the passage for spinal nerves) to avoid any obstruction in the pathway of nerve roots and its peripheral branches thereby relieving the pain. Initial treatment includes conservative management with medications to relive pain and physical exercise to aid in smooth and pain free movement of the spine. If the conservative treatments are not successful in proving sustained relief from pain and discomfort then Foraminotomy is considered as the choice of treatment.
To understand the procedure of Foraminotomy it is essential for one to know the basics of our spine.
What is spine ?
Spine is the building block of our body which is made of 33 vertebral bones stacked over one another and separated by intervertebral discs. The vertebrae have a central canal which houses the spinal cord and nerve offshoots from the spinal cord (the spinal nerves) exit through the neuroforamen. The neural foramen is present on both the sides of the vertebrae and conditions like foraminal stenosis (narrowing), bone spurs, degenerative joint disease like arthritis can lead to narrowing of the foramina causing compression of the nerves as they exit from the foramen.
The spine plays a functional role in performing daily activities like walking, sitting, standing, bending over and lying down. Stenosis (narrowing) of the neuroforamen causes pain and discomfort on movement as the nerves are compressed. If the cervical (neck) region is affected then the pain and weakness is observed in the neck, shoulders and hands and if the lumbar (lower back) region is involved the symptoms are evident as lower back pain and weakness and tingling sensation in the thigh region.
What are the indications for a foraminotomy surgery ?
The neural foramen is present on both the sides of the vertebrae and conditions like foraminal stenosis (narrowing), bone spurs, degenerative joint disease like arthritis can lead to narrowing of the foramina causing compression of the nerves as they exit from the foramen. The compression of the nerve roots can in turn cause pain and muscle weakness and tingling sensation leading to chronic ache.
The Foraminotomy procedure chiefly involves removal of the over grown bone spurs thereby widening the foramen space allowing the nerves to exit through the foramen freely. If you are experiencing chronic pain at the back of your neck, lower back region which is not relieved on taking pain medications and physical exercise, it is advised to consult a spine specialist who would conduct a thorough clinical examination guided by CT and MRI scans to assess the status of the foramen.
How is a foraminotomy surgery performed ?
Cervical and Lumbar Foraminotomy procedures are done more frequently. The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia where the patient is made to lie in face down position (anterior approach can be used in cervical Foraminotomy). An incision is made on the surgical site to expose the intervertebral discs and from there an entry is made to reach the neural foramen. Once exposed the all the bone spurs, overgrown ligaments and fragments of intervertebral discs are shaven off from the neural foramen making it wider. Once widened, the nerves can easily pass through the foramen without getting compressed. The entire length of the Foraminotomy procedure lasts for about 2-4 hours followed by which the patients are shifted in the recovery area.
What is the post-surgical care for foraminotomy surgery ?
After the surgical procedure the patient is put on pain relieving medications. Movement of the surgical site is restricted until suggested by the operating surgeon to prevent post operative complications. In cases of cervical Foraminotomy a soft collar can be used around the neck. The consulting surgeon along with a physical therapist guides the patient how to initiate movement at the surgical site. Abrupt movements and jerks should be avoided for a faster recovery.
What is the outcome of foraminotomy surgery ?
Foraminotomy has proved successful in providing symptomatic relief to majority of patients affected with pain and discomfort in the neck and back region which is not relieved by conservative treatments. The treatment can be highly effective when appropriate post-operative care is taken with tailor made physical therapy and exercise.
How to find spine surgeons for foraminotomy surgery ?
Now you can find spine surgeons for foraminotomy surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple spine surgeons, cost estimates for foraminotomy surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a spine surgeon for foraminotomy surgery.
Find and choose a spine surgeon for foraminotomy surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
