Endoscopic Foraminotomy

An endoscopic foraminotomy is a procedure using minimally invasive techniques that expand the intervertebral foramina. Foramina are the tiny openings in each spinal vertebra through which the spinal cord, artery and other nerves pass.

In most patients, the endoscopic technique is preferred over a more traditional open surgery, because the recovery time is generally faster and the procedure requires less invasive surgical techniques.

IS ENDOSCOPIC FORAMINOTOMY RIGHT FOR ME?

There are several spinal conditions that you might experience that can cause changes in the spinal foramina, the most common being herniated discs, degenerative disc complications, facet joint syndrome and spondylosis. The natural process of aging, injury or excessive wear-and-tear can also be contributing factors to your condition.

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, or your condition has not improved with more conservative treatments, you should talk with your doctor about an endoscopic foraminotomy procedure:

Radiating pain
Pain that persists for three months or longer
Limited mobility in the neck or back
Weakness, tingling or numbness in the extremities
Difficulty performing regular daily activities without pain

The minimally-invasive, endoscopic approach to a foraminotomy allows for Dr. Magued Fadly to remove a small amount of bone in the spinal foramina, relieving pressure on nerves and other spinal structures. If necessary, Dr. Magued Fadly may perform other surgical procedures alongside the foraminotomy to treat any other conditions that might exacerbate nerve compression.

AM I CANDIDATE FOR ENDOSCOPIC FORAMINOTOMY?

A foraminotomy relieves pressure on spinal nerves and blood vessels, which helps to provide a patient relief from pain, numbness, and other symptoms. We use this endoscopic approach at California Spine & Pain Institute as an outpatient procedure, and typically our patients are able to leave on the same day as the procedure.

All surgeries come with some kind of risk, so you should consider more conservative treatments for your condition. If you are suffering from chronic pain, weakness or numbness, and non-surgical treatments have not provided relief for your condition, you may want to discuss endoscopic foraminotomy with your doctor.

Contact us today for an appointment to discuss minimally invasive surgical treatments like endoscopic foraminotomy – we look forward to hearing from you!