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Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy is a minimally invasive surgery that relieves nerve pain caused by foraminal stenosis, a narrowing of the openings (foramina) where nerves exit the spine. The procedure removes the source of compression without damaging the surrounding muscles or the stability of the spine, usually as a same-day procedure.

What Is A Foraminotomy?

Nerves in the spine can become compressed for several reasons, but the symptoms are often the same: local and radiating pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arm or leg. When the compression is in the neural foramen, the bony opening where a nerve root leaves the spine, a foraminotomy widens that opening to free the nerve.
 
Many of our patients endured this pain for years before finding relief through minimally invasive spine surgery. The goal is not to treat the pain temporarily, but to treat the condition at its core so you can find lasting relief. Learn more about foraminal stenosis.

Conditions A Foraminotomy Treats

There are several reasons the foraminal canal can narrow. Learn more about the possible causes:

Foraminal stenosisNarrowing of the nerve openings. Herniated discsDisc material in the foramen. Bulging discsA bulging disc narrowing the opening. Spinal arthritisBone spurs from arthritis. Pinched nervesA compressed exiting nerve root. SciaticaLeg pain from a lumbar nerve root.
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Is A Foraminotomy Right For You?

Not all patients with foraminal stenosis have every symptom. If you are experiencing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness that has not improved with conservative treatment, we encourage you to have your MRI reviewed by our team and speak with one of our Patient Advocates.
 
A careful examination and imaging confirm which nerve root is compressed and whether a foraminotomy is the right approach.
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How A Foraminotomy Works

A minimally invasive foraminotomy follows these steps:

  1. 1

    Anesthesia

    You are made comfortable for the procedure.

  2. 2

    Pinpointing the level

    X-ray guidance identifies the affected foramen.

  3. 3

    A small incision

    Muscle-sparing access through a small incision, or an endoscope in selected cases.

  4. 4

    Widening the opening

    Bone spur, ligament, or disc tissue narrowing the foramen is removed to free the nerve.

  5. 5

    Closing

    The incision is closed and most patients go home the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a foraminotomy?

A foraminotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that widens the neural foramen, the opening where a nerve root exits the spine, to relieve pressure on the nerve.

What conditions does a foraminotomy treat?

It treats foraminal stenosis and the conditions that cause it, including herniated and bulging discs, bone spurs, arthritis of the spine, and pinched nerves causing sciatica or arm pain.

Does a foraminotomy affect spinal stability?

Our technique removes only the source of compression, without damaging the surrounding muscles or the stability of the spine, so fusion is not usually needed.

Can a foraminotomy be done in the neck and the lower back?

Yes. A cervical foraminotomy relieves arm symptoms from a pinched nerve in the neck, and a lumbar foraminotomy relieves buttock and leg symptoms.

Is a foraminotomy an outpatient procedure?

Most minimally invasive foraminotomies are performed on a same-day, outpatient basis.

How long is recovery?

Many patients walk the same day and return to light activity within days to a few weeks. Radiating pain often improves soon after the nerve is decompressed.

What symptoms can a foraminotomy relieve?

Shooting pain into the arm or leg, numbness, tingling, stiffness, and weakness caused by a compressed nerve root.

How do I know if I need a foraminotomy?

Have your MRI reviewed by our team and speak with one of our Patient Advocates. Request a free MRI review or call (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms A Foraminotomy Can Relieve

Symptoms vary with the individual and the cause. The most common relieved by a foraminotomy are:

  • Shooting pain in the shoulder and arm or the buttock and leg, sometimes reaching the hand or foot.
  • Numbness and stiffness in the back and legs, worse when standing or sitting too long.
  • Tingling along the path of the nerve.
  • Weakness in the arm or leg.
  • Pain that limits activity and quality of life.

Seek immediate care for loss of bladder or bowel control, which occurs only in very severe cases.

Cervical foraminotomy

  • Relieves arm, hand, and shoulder blade symptoms.
  • See radiculopathy.

Lumbar foraminotomy

  • Relieves buttock, leg, and foot symptoms.
  • See sciatica.
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Related Treatments

Minimally Invasive Surgery

One of our most common procedures is classified as minimally invasive decompression surgery. This type of surgery is often performed on patients who have a nerve compressed along their spinal cord, resulting in both local and radiating pain.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

Laminotomy

A laminotomy procedure is designed to relieve a compressed nerve in the back of the spinal cord. Your spine consists of several vertebra stacked on top of each other, with cushiony discs in between each vertebra to let the spine move freely.

Discectomy

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

ACDF – Spinal Fusion

Patients suffering from a cervical (neck) spine condition may experience chronic neck pain or shooting pain in the head, arm, and/or fingers. This continual pain can become debilitating and cause a decrease in activity and quality of life.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Patients who have a deteriorated disc in the cervical (neck) spine may experience pain, numbness or tingling in the neck, arm and fingers. This continual pain, if left untreated, could result in a restriction of activity and quality of life.

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Chronic lower back pain affects millions globally, significantly diminishing their quality of life. Traditional treatments often involve medication, physical therapy, or invasive surgeries like spinal fusion.

TLIF – Spinal Fusion

Patients who suffer from a spine condition in the lumbar (lower back region) often experience chronic pain and limited mobility.

Laser Spine Surgery

aser spine surgery has been marketed as a cutting-edge solution for various spine conditions, offering the promise of pain relief with minimal recovery time.

Minimally Invasive Vs. Open Surgery

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

A minimally invasive foraminotomy frees the nerve without disturbing the surrounding muscles or the stability of the spine.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Treating the condition at its core

    Our goal is lasting relief, not a temporary fix for the pain.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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