Foraminotomy
Widening the neural foramen to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve root — targeted single-level decompression.
Foraminotomy
Targeted enlargement of the nerve exit channel — relieving foraminal stenosis without affecting spinal stability.
Targeted at a single nerve root exit point. One to two nights in hospital. Arm or leg pain relief is often prompt. Stability is preserved as the facet joint is kept intact.
What Is It?
Enlarges the neural foramen — the opening through which the nerve root exits the spinal canal — by removing a small amount of bone and thickened ligament. This relieves direct pressure on the compressed nerve root without destabilising the facet joint or requiring fusion.
Before Surgery
MRI and CT to confirm which nerve root is compressed and whether the foraminal anatomy is the primary cause. Often performed alongside laminectomy when both central and foraminal stenosis are present.
During Surgery
General or spinal anaesthesia. Midline or paramedian incision. Bone and thickened ligament at the foramen removed under microscopic magnification. The nerve root is identified and confirmed free. One to two hours depending on levels.
After Surgery
Hospital stay: one to two days. Walking the day after surgery. Arm or leg pain from nerve root compression typically improves promptly. Some residual numbness may persist for weeks to months as the nerve recovers.
Recovery
Desk work: three to five weeks. Physical activity: six to eight weeks. No fusion required — recovery is faster than stabilisation procedures. Long-term outcomes are good for pure foraminal stenosis.
Dr. Viswanath's Approach
Foraminotomy is used when foraminal stenosis is the dominant source of nerve compression. If instability is also present, fusion is performed simultaneously. The facet joint is preserved wherever possible to avoid post-operative instability requiring future fusion.
Persistent arm or leg pain
from a pinched nerve?
A consultation and MRI will determine whether foraminotomy is the right approach for your nerve root compression.