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Decompression Alternative

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Contact LSI
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Foraminotomy:
A foraminotomy is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure used to open the foramen and relieve symptoms of nerve compression. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure there is no need for general anesthesia and it can be performed in a surgical outpatient setting.

The goal of a foraminotomy is to relieve symptoms of back pain caused by pressure on nerves that are being compressed by the intervertebral foramen. The intervertebral foramen is the opening in the vertebra allowing nerve roots to exit the spinal canal. The origin of the term foraminotomy is Latin. The word foramen means hole, opening, or aperture. The word otomy is the act of cutting, or incision.

The painful symptoms of nerve root compression can be treated through a foraminotomy in cases where the foramen is being compressed by bone, disc, scar tissue formation, or excessive ligament development resulting in a pinched nerve.

Conditions that a patient has that can be treated through a foraminotomy procedure are:

• Scar Tissue Formation
• Herniated disc
• Bulging disc
• Foraminal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Bone spurs
• Arthritis in the spine
• Pinched nerve from nerve root compression

Foraminotomy procedure
A small incision is made after a local anesthesia is administered and inserted into the incision is a round Depuy tube. A small opening to the spine is created as a series of tubes of increasing size are placed over the original Depuy tube one at a time. The foraminotomy is performed through this technique allowing for minimal damage to the surrounding tissue and muscle. Damage to the muscles in the area is controlled in this method by pushing them out of the way instead of the muscles being cut or torn. The final tube that is placed over the original one is about 18 millimeters in diameter allowing room for the laser, camera, suction, irrigation and other surgical instruments. To give you an idea of how big the final tube is, 18 millimeters is just about as big as a small marker.

Once the final tube and instruments are in place, the surgeon can start to remove the bone and tissue that is compressing the nerve. Many patients will fell immediate relief during the procedure as the painful symptom causing nerve is released from its compression. After the procedure is completed, the tube is slowly removed from the patient allowing the muscles to move back into their natural positions. Closing this incision made for the tube will occasionally require a stitch or two.

Once the patient has been monitored for an hour or two the will be allowed to go, as long as they are accompanied by a companion. Patients who have undergone a foraminotomy are often encouraged to take a long walk in the afternoon or evening after their procedure is complete. The following day the patient will return for a post operative visit so they can get clearance from the doctor and return home.

Advantages of a Foraminotomy

• Outpatient procedure
• No Fusion
• Minimally invasive
• High rate of success
• Minimal scar tissue formation
• Quick recovery time
• No need for general anesthesia