Foraminotomy
Foraminotomy
Foraminotomy (pronounced: fuh-ram-uh-NAH-tuh-mee) is a surgical procedure that aims to relieve pressure on nerves that are being compressed by the intervertebral foramina, the passages through the vertebrae through which nerve bundles pass from the spinal cord out to the body.
Etymology
The term "foraminotomy" is derived from Latin "foramen" (opening, orifice, hole) and Greek "tome" (cutting).
Procedure
During a foraminotomy, the surgeon removes a portion of bone or tissue that is compressing the nerve as it exits the vertebra. This procedure is typically performed when a patient has a condition such as a herniated disc or bone spurs that is causing pressure on the nerve and resulting in pain.
Related Terms
- Laminectomy: A surgical procedure that creates space by removing the lamina — the back part of a vertebra that covers your spinal canal.
- Discectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the damaged portion of a herniated disc in your spine.
- Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
- Vertebra: Each of the series of small bones forming the backbone, having several projections for articulation and muscle attachment, and a hole through which the spinal cord passes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Foraminotomy
- Wikipedia's article - Foraminotomy
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