Cervical Foraminotomy
Cervical foraminotomy relieves arm pain and numbness by removing bone and tissue that compress cervical nerve roots, while preserving natural neck motion. This fusion-sparing procedure is ideal when nerve compression is the primary problem.
When Foraminotomy Is Recommended
- Cervical radiculopathy (arm pain from pinched nerve)
- Foraminal stenosis (narrowed nerve opening)
- Bone spurs compressing nerve roots
- Desire to preserve neck motion
- Failed conservative treatment for 6+ weeks
How Foraminotomy Works
Posterior Approach
Small incision at back of neck
Bone Removal
Remove part of lamina and facet joint
Nerve Decompression
Enlarge foramen to free compressed nerve
Motion Preservation
Maintain normal neck movement
Minimally Invasive Options
Dr. Greenberg uses advanced techniques including:
- • Tubular retractor systems
- • Endoscopic approaches
- • Microscopic visualization
- • Reduced tissue disruption
Benefits of Foraminotomy
- Preserves natural neck motion
- Relieves arm pain and numbness
- Avoids fusion-related complications
- Shorter recovery than fusion
- Outpatient procedure option
- No hardware or bone graft needed
Risks & Considerations
- Infection, bleeding, or anesthesia risks
- Nerve injury (very rare with experienced surgeons)
- Incomplete symptom relief
- Spinal instability (rare if <50% facet removed)
- Recurrent symptoms over time
Recovery Timeline
Days
Most patients go home the same day or after one night in the hospital. Neck collar may be used for comfort.
Weeks
Gradual return to normal activities. Physical therapy may begin to restore full range of motion.
Weeks
Return to full activities including work and exercise. Complete healing of surgical site.
Why Motion Preservation Matters
Cervical foraminotomy preserves your natural neck movement while solving the problem
Preserves Natural Function
Unlike fusion procedures that eliminate motion at the treated level, cervical foraminotomy maintains your natural ability to turn, bend, and flex your neck.
- No loss of cervical range of motion
- Avoids adjacent segment stress
- Faster return to normal activities
Ideal for Lateral Herniations
Posterior foraminotomy is particularly effective for lateral disc herniations and foraminal stenosis, providing direct access to decompress the nerve root.
Ideal Candidates
- Unilateral arm symptoms (one-sided)
- Foraminal stenosis on MRI
- Stable cervical spine (no instability)
- Desire to maintain neck motion
- Failed conservative treatment
Alternative Treatments
Conservative Options
- • Physical therapy and neck strengthening
- • Cervical epidural injections
- • Selective nerve root blocks
- • Anti-inflammatory medications
Surgical Alternatives
- • ACDF (if disc involvement)
- • Disc replacement (motion-preserving)
- • Anterior foraminotomy
- • Multi-level decompression
Why Choose Greenberg Spine
Fellowship Training
Advanced training at Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Brown University
Motion Preservation
Expertise in fusion-sparing techniques when appropriate
Minimally Invasive
Advanced techniques for faster recovery
What to Expect
Pre-Operative
- • Detailed imaging review and surgical planning
- • Medical clearance if needed
- • Pre-operative instructions and preparation
Surgery Day
- • General anesthesia with monitoring
- • 1-2 inch posterior neck incision
- • Same-day discharge in most cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Preserve Your Neck Motion
Schedule a consultation to see if foraminotomy can relieve your arm pain while maintaining neck flexibility.
Related Procedures
Information is educational, not medical advice. Outcomes vary. Consult Dr. Greenberg for personalized evaluation and treatment recommendations.