Tag Line
Foraminal stenosis—often informally referred to as foraminal narrowing—is a condition that arises when the spaces between the vertebrae shrink. Under normal conditions, these spaces are large enough to become canals through which nerve roots can easily pass.
Foraminotomy is surgery that widens the opening in your back where nerve roots leave your spinal canal.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pinched nerves due to foraminal stenosis vary depending on which part of your spine is affected.
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
- Tingling or the feeling of pins and needles and pain that radiates along the path of the nerve.
Pre-Procedure
- A full physical examination will be conducted by the doctor to see if the patient is in good health to undertake the surgery.
- The patient’s medical history is thoroughly studied so as to avoid any complications from arising during or after the surgery.
- Medications such as blood thinners, are advised to be stopped, a week before the surgery is due to take place.
- The patient is to fast for a minimum of 8 hours before the surgery.
Procedure
- The type of surgery will depend on the location of the stenosis and what’s causing it.
- If a herniated disk is pinching your nerve root, then surgery to remove the bulging disk may be the solution.
- This procedure involves implanting a device in the space between the vertebrae to widen the gap and relieve pressure on the nerves.The procedure may include: laminotomy or laminectomy, which is removal of the bone spurs, scars, or ligament causing the narrowing.
- Foraminotomy: A surgeon removes the bone that is causing the compression to give the nerves more room
Post Surgical Care
- Physical therapy and activity modifications.
- Guided activities
- Balanced meal
- Weight Management
Risks
- Nerve damage.?- Blood clots.
- Spinal fluid leak.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Worsening of the chronic back pain.
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
