Depending on location of the compressed nerve or severity of the patient's symptoms, a foraminotomy may be combined with other procedures such as a laminotomy or laminectomy. A laminotomy removes a portion of the lamina whereas a laminectomy involves the complete removal of the lamina. The lamina is a small bony plate that covers the spinal canal. Sometimes removing the lamina (or a portion of it) provides greater access to the neuroforamen.

• You will be made to lie face down on the operating table and administered with a local anesthesia, it is a painless procedure. A incision, less than an inch is made in the middle of the back of your spine.

• Skin, muscles, and ligaments are moved to the side and a surgical microscope to use to observe the insides of your back.

• With Same Day Spine, minimal bone is cut or shaved away to open the nerve root opening (foramen). Disk fragments are removed and the other bone may also be removed at the back of the vertebrae to make more room.

• If your surgeon is feels that your spine is unstable after the bone has been removed, you will need to have a spinal fusion.

• The muscles and other tissues are put back in place, and the skin is sewn together.

Conditions Treated With a Foraminotomy

Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina) is the most common reason why patients undergo foraminotomy. Disc bulges also contribute to this narrowing. You will find that often discrete bone spurs will form pinching a nerve. It can also be genetic, for example. a person can also be born with a small spinal canal; this is called congenital spinal stenosis.

After Surgery:

Be as active as your pain allows. You can ride in a car, climb stairs, and generally perform your normal activities for the first month after surgery. After a month, you may be enrolled in a structured physical therapy program to include core strengthening and neutral spine exercises. At this stage, you can start low impact aerobic activities (e.g., elliptical training, recumbent bicycling, swimming, etc). Three months after surgery, you can begin higher impact aerobic activities such as running, jumping, and non-contact sports. Six months after surgery, you will be free to participate in any physical activity (including contact sports and activities) without restriction.

Should I have the surgery?

If you feel an annoying, yet mild pain in your legs ,you probably should not avoid surgery. However, if your lifestyle is significantly hampered by the symptoms surgery can be life changing. Since the procedure is considered elective in the majority of cases, however, it is your responsibility to determine if your symptoms warrant the risk of surgery.

At Same Day Spine, a Foraminotomy patient then returns the hone at the day of the surgery itself as the procedure is typically completed within 60 minutes and no muscles and very little bone are cut during the procedure, scarring is minimized . Same Day Spine offers various minimally invasive procedures to relieve neck and back pain caused by spine conditions and nerve conditions