Cervical Foraminotomy
If you’re experiencing arm pain, numbness and tingling, you may have a cervical pinched nerve condition. Cervical foraminotomy is a minimally invasive surgery to alleviate pinched nerves in the neck and provide pain relief while preserving neck motion. Dr. Rojeh Melikian specializes in this type of surgery, using advanced microscopic techniques to help you return to an active lifestyle.
What Is a Cervical Foraminotomy Procedure?
Cervical foraminotomy is a type of foraminotomy surgery focusing on the cervical spine. This procedure relieves pressure in your spine’s nerve roots by widening the neural foramen, the opening of your vertebral bone where nerve roots are. An incision is made near the cervical spine, and the bone is cut to expand the nerve root opening.
This surgery is commonly used to treat foraminal stenosis, a form of spinal stenosis affecting the neural foramen, the openings where nerve roots exit the spinal column. By widening the space, many patients experience relief from symptoms that interfere with their daily routine, like:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Nerve pain
- Chronic pain
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking and moving
During this surgery to relieve pinched nerves, Dr. Melikian can also perform a cervical laminectomy or laminotomy to expand your spinal canal or a spinal fusion to stabilize your bones.
Differences Between Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion and Cervical Foraminotomy
Cervical foraminotomy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are both types of cervical nerve decompression surgeries that treat pinched nerves. Each has key differences in:
- Structure: ACDF removes herniated spinal discs and fuses vertebrae, while a foraminotomy procedure decompresses nerves while preserving spinal stability.
- Motion preservation: ACDF fuses spinal vertebrae, which provides stability but can cause a loss in neck flexibility. Foraminotomy preserves neck motion since bone fusion is not part of the process.
- Surgical approach: ACDF accesses herniated discs from the front of the neck, so the muscles at the back of the neck aren’t disrupted. Cervical foraminotomy accesses pinched nerves through the back of the neck, so surgeons often need to move the skin, ligaments and muscles for better access to the spinal column.
Why Choose Rojeh Melikian, M.D., for Surgery to Treat Foraminal Stenosis?
Dr. Melikian offers cervical foraminotomy for adults across Southern California seeking relief from foraminal stenosis and pinched nerves. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive techniques. Our team provides compassionate, individualized care and is committed to putting your needs first. Dr. Melikian will discuss personalized treatment and surgery options for cervical radiculopathy to help you find the right path forward.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment Today
Dr. Melikian and his medical team care for patients across Southern California, providing spinal surgery expertise and patient-first care. Discuss your treatment options with Dr. Melikian over a phone or video consult . Contact us online or call 949-806-6946 to schedule an appointment.
Rojeh Melikian, M.D., also works with patients seeking a second opinion on spine surgery. We will evaluate your condition and answer your questions to help you make an informed decision.