Posterior cervical foramenotomy is a technique to decompress the cervical nerve root without a fusion. This video details the posterior cervical foramenotomy procedure. The approach is from the back of the neck and the decompression takes off some of the lamina and the medial half of the facet. It is used for herniated discs in the foramen compressing the nerve and is not a good technique for bone spur formation or herniations too medial as this is where the spinal cord is located. It will not work for neck pain.
Dr. Donald Corenman works at the Vail, Colorado Steadman Spine Institute. For more information on the cervical spine and for additional resources relating to the conditions and treatments associated with the neck, back or spine, please contact Dr. Corenman at 970-479-5895.
