Dr. Corenman,
My surgeon recommended that I get a C3/C4 Posterior Foraminotomy procedure. I had an ACDF on my C5/C6 about two years ago that he believes was successful. However I’m still have pain in my upper neck and trap area on my right side. My upper shoulder also is painful whenever I use it. The surgeon suggested that I try a nerve injection which I did into my C4 nerve root. I immediately felt better and for the first few hours I was almost pain free. The steroid into the nerve seemed some long term as well.(maybe 40% better).
I’m curious if you like this option over another fusion? Are Foraminotomy surgery successful? Do you recommend them to your patients? Do they lead to other surgeries in the future. I’m just 41. Are they more painful than an 1 level ACDF? I’m scared to have an fusion but the thought of a second surgery also has me nervous.
Thanks,
Andrew