Microforaminotomy Performed by Board-Certified Spine Surgeons in Freehold & Monroe Township, NJ
Spinal nerve compression is a common cause of neck and back pain. Within the spinal column, a series of sensitive nerve roots must pass through narrow channels in the vertebrae (foramina) as they branch away from the spinal cord to serve other areas of the body. The space within each foramen is very limited, and if it is encroached by bony or soft tissue, a spinal nerve root can become trapped within it. Several common spine conditions—including spinal osteoarthritis (spondylosis), degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis—can cause a foramen to become narrower and compress a spinal nerve.
A microforaminotomy is a minimally invasive spinal decompression procedure that may be performed to relieve painful pressure on a trapped spinal nerve root. The board-certified spine surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) perform this advanced procedure at our state-of-the-art facilities in Freehold and Monroe Township, New Jersey.
The Microforaminotomy Procedure
When performing a microforaminotomy, a spine surgeon expands an obstructed foramen by removing tissue that is pressing on a spinal nerve, such as herniated disc material or a bone spur. Once the pressure is reduced, the symptoms may improve or resolve.
After making a small incision at the surgical site, the surgeon inserts a tiny tube to gently separate the underlying muscles and other soft tissues. Next, the surgeon inserts a series of progressively larger tubes, one over another. The surgeon then performs the microforaminotomy by inserting a miniature camera and specialized surgical instruments through the final tube.
The advanced tubular retraction system used during a microforaminotomy allows the surgeon to gradually create a sufficient pathway to access the site of nerve compression and perform the procedure with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues. This innovative surgical approach offers several advantages over a traditional open foraminotomy, including a lower risk of infection, a quicker recovery, and less scarring.
Consult With a Spine Specialist at AOSMI
In addition to neck and back pain, spinal nerve compression can cause numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness in the arms and legs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can discuss your treatment options with a spine expert at AOSMI in Freehold or Monroe Township, NJ. Contact us to request a consultation and find out if a microforaminotomy is an option for you.
