A posterior cervical laminotomy and foraminotomy is generally performed to remove pressure on a nerve due to bone spurs or a herniated disk. Foraminal stenosis can result in a cervical radiculopathy (nerve root injury), which may cause upper extremity pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness.

PROCEDURE

The surgery is performed through a small skin incision on the back of the neck. With the aid of a high-powered microscope and drill, a portion of the lamina is removed to create a small hole. Specially-designed microsurgical instruments are used to remove any bone spurs and/or herniated disk from compressing the nerve or in the foramen (small hole that the nerve exits the central spinal canal). After the pressure is removed from the nerve, the skin is closed using dissolvable sutures and sterile superglue.