What Is Cervical Foraminotomy?
Posterior cervical foraminotomy treats cervical radiculopathy by enlarging the neural foramen — the small opening where a nerve root exits the spinal canal — to relieve compression from a herniated disc fragment or bone spur. Because the approach is from the back of the neck and doesn't require removing the disc entirely or fusing the spine, motion at that level is preserved.
Who It's For
Ideal candidates have single-level, one-sided arm pain, numbness or weakness from a foraminal (more lateral) disc herniation or bone spur, particularly when the compression is positioned favorably for a posterior approach. It's a good alternative to ACDF for patients who want to avoid fusion and whose pathology doesn't require an anterior approach.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Through a small posterior incision, a portion of the facet joint and lamina near the affected level is removed to open the foramen. The offending disc fragment or bone spur is then removed with the nerve root under direct or microscopic visualization, relieving pressure without disturbing the disc space itself or requiring instrumentation.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
This is often an outpatient or short-stay procedure. Because no fusion is performed, a brace typically isn't needed, and patients usually return to light activity within days and full activity within a few weeks, with physical therapy as needed to restore strength and mobility.