 | Foraminotomy |
What is a foraminotomy?
A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure which is done to enlarge the area around one of the bones in the spinal column. This procedure is done to relieve pressure on compressed nerves. The spinal column contains the spinal cord and protects it from injury.
The spinal cord is responsible for sending sensory information from the body to the brain. It also sends commands from the brain to the body. The nerves spread out from the spinal cord and send or receive information from the body to the brain and vice versa.
When is a foraminotomy needed?
Blockages which may narrow the spinal column or block an intervertebral foramen, this is called spinal stenosis. Several processes may block the intervertebral foramen and compress the nerve leaving the spinal cord. Spinal stenosis may be caused by conditions such as:
- Degenerative arthritis of the spine called spondylosis. This may lead to the formation of bone spurs
- Degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which may lead to the formation of a bulge in the foramen
- Enlargement of nearby ligaments
- Spondylolisthesis
- Cysts or tumours
- Skeletal disease such as Paget disease
- Congenital problems such as dwarfism
A compressed nerve may cause symptoms such as lower back pain in the affected area, a tingling sensation, and weakness in the affected limb. Foraminotomy is normally recommended when conservative treatment has been exhausted. These treatments such as physical therapy, pain medicines and epidural injections.
What does foraminotomy entail?
During the procedure, you will be under general anaesthesia. Your vitals, such as your heart rate and blood pressure, will be carefully monitored. The neurosurgeon will make an incision next to your spine or above the affected vertebrae. He will then use surgical instruments to push back the muscles to expose the blocked intervertebral foramen.
The neurosurgeon will then remove the blockage as well as a bone spur or a bulging disc. This will relieve pressure on the nerves. A laminectomy may also be performed, which involves the removal of a portion of the vertebra. After the procedure, the incision will be stitched closed.
