What Is a Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy—and When Is It Needed?

If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain that starts in your neck and radiates into your arm, sometimes with numbness and tingling, you may be dealing with a condition known as spinal  foraminal stenosis in the cervical spine.  In such a condition, the foramen (Latin for hole) has narrowed and the nerve root passing through the foramen becomes compressed. For some patients, one of the most effective solutions is a procedure called a minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy.   

Understanding Posterior Cervical Laminectomy

The spinal cord travels through a protective passage formed by bones in your neck called vertebrae. Those vertebrae form a canal.  The exit ramps for the nerves leaving the spinal cord are called the foramen.  Over time, the neuroforamen can become narrowed due to age-related changes, injury, or other conditions, resulting in compression of the nerve root within. Foraminal stenosis can lead to symptoms such as arm pain, numbness, weakness of a muscle group, such as the biceps or triceps muscle.

A minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy is a surgical approach that removes a small section of bone at the back of the neck, known as the lamina and facet. By carefully taking out part the bone that makes up the neuroforamen, surgery creates more space for the cervical nerve roots.  A minimally invasive foraminotomy relieves pressure and helps restore proper function.

When Is This Surgery Considered?

Cervical foraminal stenosis is most commonly linked to the gradual degeneration of the spine, typically seen in individuals over the age of 50. Years of repetitive stress, minor injuries, and the natural aging process can cause spinal discs to weaken, bulge, or even herniate. These changes may push ligaments or create bone spurs into the neuroforamen.   Cervical nerves try to send signals through a compressed foramen, but the compression prevents normal signal transduction.  The result is weakness, numbness, tingling and pain.

The key reason for timely surgical intervention is the risk of permanent nerve damage. As compression worsens, patients can lose the ability to coordinate movements or perform daily tasks with their hands. Prompt treatment can prevent worsening and at times reverse symptoms and halt the progression of neurological decline.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A minimally invasive posterior cervical laminectomy is performed under general anesthesia with the patient lying facedown. Dr. Tumialán utilizes advanced minimally invasive techniques, which involve making small incisions at the back of the neck and using specialized ports to reach the affected area. By avoiding large, traditional incisions, there is less disruption to the surrounding muscles and tissues, which leads to a faster and smoother recovery.

Once the cervical lamina is accessed, Dr. Tumialán carefully removes the portion of bone that is compressing the cervical nerve root. Throughout the procedure, great care is taken to minimize risk and preserve stability in the spine.

Benefits of a Minimally Invasive Approach

Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy offers several advantages over conventional open surgery. These include reduced tissue injury, less postoperative discomfort, and a shorter stay in the hospital. Patients often experience a quicker return to their daily routines and improved quality of life.

Start Your Journey to Better Spine Health

Cervical nerve root compression caused by cervical neuroforaminal stenosis can have a serious impact on your daily life, affecting everything from your comfort to your ability to perform routine tasks. A minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy provides significant relief and help prevent lasting nerve damage after conservative treatments have failed to provide relief. With the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, patients can look forward to a smoother recovery and a better quality of life.

If you’re experiencing persistent neck symptoms or have been diagnosed with a cervical radiculopathy, contact Luis M. Tumialán, MD, to schedule a consultation and learn if a minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy is the right option for you. Visit our office Scottsdale, Arizona, or call (480) 771-0700 to book an appointment today.