What is foraminatomy?

Question

My back is injuried and I need L4 L5 Lumbar bi-lateral laminectomy and L5 foraminatomy

Answer 1

Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure that involves opening the neural foramen - the space in the vertebra where a nerve root exits the spinal canal. The term foraminotomy is derived from the Latin words foramen (hole, opening, aperture) and -otomy (act of cutting, incision). A foraminotomy is performed to relieve the symptoms of nerve root compression in cases where disc degeneration, for example, has caused the height of the foramen to collapse and result in a "pinched nerve."

Answer 2

Whoa, hold on there. Did they tell you that, even if successful (only about 20-40%), that it will recurr within 5-8 years, and you'll probably need another, surgery that is? So, if they did and you're still cool with it, a laminectomy is the removal of posterior-lateral vertebrae surrounding your spinal cord, to give it more room in there. L5 Forminatomy is a widening of the hole where your L5 nerve root exits to innervate your leg/genitals/etc. However, consider chiropractic, for at least a few months, prior to this surgery. It has a great record for those suffering from low back pain, sciatica, numbness and tingling in the legs, etc. And then, if that doesn't work, then start considering surgery. Remember, if you can keep your body intact and the nervous system working properly (the greatest benefit of chiropractic) it has the greatest potential of healing itself. However, if you have surgery and it does not help or (perish the thought) it gets worse, chiropractic will be less effective because, heck, you've already been cut and things have been removed. Stay healthy.

Answer 3

This may not be entirely accurate because I am not a back surgeon. I just work for one. The spinal nerves come off of the spinal column and go through holes created by the vertebral facets (the vertebra is a round bone that looks like a drum, but it has two wing like things on each side (the facets) to kinda interlock to give the spine stability). If a spinal nerve is rubbing against the hole in the facet, or if a bulging disc is pushing the nerve against the side of the hole, they remove part of the hole to widen it. The hole is called the foramen and the procedure to widen it is the foraminatomy.

Answer 4

wrong question!

right questions-

what are the MRI results?
do you have paraesthesia in these dermatomes?
do you have muscle weakness especially ext. hallucis- big toe?
has your doctor considered epidural steroid and rest?
have you heard of failed back syndrome and multi level instability?


spine is not my favourite topic.
but i can help.

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