What is it?
An open cervical foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed in the neck region. It is done to relieve neck pain caused by the compression of cervical nerve roots exiting through the foramen. The foramen is an anatomical opening where spinal nerve roots exit laterally from the spinal canal. The goal is to widen the opening by removing any bone or disk material causing cervical nerve root impingement. Two common causes of cervical nerve root compression are bone spurs and/or herniated disks. Patients with bones spurs and/or herniated disks normally experience symptoms of neck pain, shoulder pain and weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands.
How is the Procedure Performed?
An open cervical foraminotomy is a surgical procedure performed in the neck region. It is done to relieve neck pain caused by the compression of cervical nerve roots exiting through the foramen. The foramen is an anatomical opening where spinal nerve roots exit laterally from the spinal canal. The goal is to widen the opening by removing any bone or disk material causing cervical nerve root impingement. Two common causes of cervical nerve root compression are bone spurs and/or herniated disks. Patients with bones spurs and/or herniated disks normally experience symptoms of neck pain, shoulder pain and weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands.