Posterior laminoforaminotomy in the treatment of lateralcervical herniated disc and foraminal stenosis.

BACKGROUND/AIM Posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy is an effective surgical treatment in selected cases of cervical radiculopathy caused by posterolateral herniated discs or foraminal stenosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the surgical techniques, rates of complications, long-term outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages of keyhole foraminotomy retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS Keyhole foraminotomy was performed in 83 patients. In 51 patients (61.5%) soft disc herniation was removed, and in 32 of them (38.5%) osteophytes were evident. The clinical data were evaluated according to Odom's criteria, and the mean follow-up time was 6 months. RESULTS Postoperative results were classed as excellent in 66 patients (79.5%), good in 13 patients (15.7%), fair in 3 patients (3.6%), and poor in only 1 patient (1.2%). Radiculopathy symptoms regressed in 79 patients (95%). Among the 83 patients, surgical complications (dural injury and level error) were noted in 2 patients (2.4%). CONCLUSION Posterior laminoforaminotomy is applied to selected patients with a low complication rate. The advantages of this surgery are suitable visualization of the nerve root, preserved motion of the operated segment, avoidance of cervical instability, and a decrease in the length of hospital stay.