Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure on a spinal nerve by enlarging the intervertebral foramen, the opening through which the nerve passes, when it has been narrowed by bone, disc material, scar tissue or ligament. It is often performed as a minimally invasive procedure using an arthroscope through a small hole cut into the vertebra.
Facts
FAQs
At which levels of the spine can a foraminotomy be done?
According to the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia of the US National Library of Medicine: "Foraminotomy takes pressure off the nerve coming out of your spinal column. This reduces any pain you were having. Foraminotomy can be performed on any level of the spine."
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Foraminotomy (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foraminotomy, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foraminotomy, lead section
Foraminotomy is a medical operation used to relieve pressure on nerves that are being compressed by the intervertebral foramina, the passages through the bones of the vertebrae of the spine that pass nerve bundles to the body from the spinal cord.
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