An endoscopic foraminotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that alleviates pressure on nerves as they exit the spinal canal by widening the openings in which they pass called foramina. Using an endoscopic camera, the surgeon can gently remove bone in the foramina to give the nerve a larger opening to pass through.
Am I a candidate for an endoscopic foraminotomy?
An endoscopic foraminotomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that only requires a one to three inch incision and general anesthesia. It is also less traumatic than traditional spinal surgeries because it minimizes the damage to muscles and other nearby anatomy, making recovery time easier and faster. The entire procedure can take less than two hours, depending on the severity of the nerve compression.
An endoscopic foraminotomy can be used to treat a range of conditions, such as:
If you think you are experiencing pain caused by nerve compression in your spine, find out what treatment options are right for you below with our treatment finder tool.
At ISSI, our spine experts recommend exhausting all conservative, non-surgical treatment options before turning to surgery. However, some situations may require surgery right away to alleviate pain. In addition to little or no success with non-surgical treatments, candidates for this procedure experience:
Individuals who are excessively overweight are not ideal candidates for this procedure as the excess weight results in additional strain on the spine during recovery, making healing difficult. A candidate for an endoscopic foraminotomy must also be willing to participate in physical therapy as part of the recovery.
See if you qualify for an endoscopic foraminotomy by trying our candidacy check tool below.
Try our Interactive Pain Assessment to get started.
Our team of educated Patients Advocates are waiting to answer all of your questions.
Get a FREE MRI review over the phone from Dr. Wood.
Get the help you deserve. Call us today to speak with an ISSI Patient Advocate.
Call Us Today
© 2020 International Spine & Sports Institute. All rights reserved. Website by RUNNER.