Kraus Back & Neck Institute Kraus Back & Neck Institute Kraus Back & Neck Institute: 281.446.3876 (281.44.NEURO)
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
MISS is the acronym for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. It has changed how neurosurgeons operate today. MISS techniques reduce the need for large incisions, muscle cutting, and a long period of recovery. Instead, your neurosurgeon uses highly refined instruments, tools, devices...
Read more

Surgical Procedures

Cervical Foraminotomy

Cervical foraminotomy is a decompression surgical procedure that involves the widening of the neural foramen, the space through which the spinal nerve roots pass. The widening of the foramen helps in relieving pressure over the spinal nerves due to compression at the foramen.

The compression of spinal nerves in the foramen may occur as a result of degenerative changes in the spine that causes development of bone spurs which may lead to foraminal stenosis. Nerve compression can also result from a disc collapse caused by excessive strain and stress in the neck area.

Procedure

The basic steps of cervical foraminotomy include:

  • The procedure is conducted in an operating room with the patient under general anesthesia
  • The patient lies face down, on the operating table
  • An X-ray is used to identify the location of the incision
  • A small incision is made over the middle of the neck, at the back
  • The muscles are retracted (moved aside) with the help of a retractor
  • A surgical microscope is employed to magnify the view of the area being operated
  • Specially designed cutting instruments are then used to remove bone spurs, thickened ligaments and segments of the herniated disc
  • Removal of the bones and tissues around the neural foramen also releases the compression over the nerve roots
  • Finally, all the muscles and the soft tissues are placed in their appropriate positions and the wound is sutured

Post operative care

Patients are usually discharged on the same day of the surgery and can resume driving within 1-2 weeks. General post-operative instructions for the patient after a cervical foraminotomy include:

  • Use of soft neck brace
  • Keep the incision clean and dry
  • Move the neck with care and comfort
  • Patient can return to work after 3-4 weeks
  • Avoid heavy work or any sports for at least 2-3 months
  • Physical therapy is recommended for the strengthening of the weak muscles

Risks and complications

Every major surgery is associated with complications. Some of the complications associated with cervical foraminotomy include:

  • Complications related to anesthesia
  • Conditions such as thrombophlebitis
  • Infection
  • Spinal nerve damage
  • Persistent pain

Spine Surgery - Kraus Back & Neck Institute Spine Surgery - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusion (ACDF) - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Spine Surgery - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Procedures - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for me? - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Maps & Directgions - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Meet Gary Karus, ML - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Gary Kraus, MD, Neuro-
surgeon, is Board Certified...
Meet Gary Karus, ML - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Meet Masaki Oishi, MD - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Masaki Oishi, MD, Neurosurgeon...
Meet Masaki Oishi, MD - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Spine Surgery & Spinal Condition Videos - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Spine Surgery & Spinal Condition Videos - Kraus Back & Neck Institute
Facebook Twitter
Bookmark and Share
3101 College Park Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77384      MAP
21155 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 77469      MAP
12121 Richmond Ave., Ste. 324 Houston, Texas 77082      MAP
3391 West Park
Houston, Texas 77005     MAP
Professional Building III, 915 Gessner,
Ste. 360
Houston, Texas 77024     MAP
8901 FM 1960 Bypass, Ste. 304
Humble, Texas 77338     MAP
1331 West Grand Parkway North
Suite 320, Katy, Texas 77493     MAP
Your Practice Online