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Transforaminal Micro Decompression

  • Endoscopic Decompression
  • Foraminotomy With or Without Laser

The transforaminal microscopic or endoscopic foraminotomy is used to treat a condition called foraminal stenosis. The goal of the surgery is to create a larger bony foraminal canal to take the pressure off of the exiting nerve.

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The stenosis is usually caused by a combination of bone spurs, bulging disc material, collapse of the disc space, and thickening of some ligament structures. In short, it is a “roto-rooter” type of procedure. The operation can be safely performed using either a microscope or endoscope. The key is to be able to accurately visualize the exiting nerve to avoid damage to this critical structure.

A variety of instruments are used including the holmium laser at some centers. However, it is important to know that the laser will not cut bone at low power levels. Higher power settings can cause a flash fire that is extremely dangerous to the surrounding tissue! Therefore, other instruments are used such as micro drills, small punch cutters, and micro dissection tools.

Transforaminal Microdecompression can treat the following conditions:

Spinal Stenosis