OBJECTIVE Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with or without partial uncovertebral joint resection (UVR) and posterior keyhole foraminotomy are established operative procedures to treat cervical disc degeneration and radiculopathy. Studies have demonstrated reliable results with each procedure, but none have compared the change in neuroforaminal area between indirect and direct deco...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to present the outcome of the microsurgical foraminotomy via Wiltse paraspinal approach for foraminal or extraforaminal (FEF) stenosis at L5-S1 level. We investigated risk factors associated with poor outcome of microsurgical foraminotomy at L5-S1 level. METHODS We analyzed 21 patients who underwent the microsurgical foraminotomy for FEF stenosis at L5-...

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of bilateral C4-5 foraminotomy in preventing occurrence of postoperative C5 palsy and to identify possible risk factors for its development. METHODS A total of 70 consecutive patients who underwent open-door laminoplasty with bilateral C4-5 foraminotomy were included. Clinical, radiographic, and operative data was reviewe...

OBJECTIVE  This article aims to report the medium-term clinical outcome and assess persistence of enlargement of the lumbosacral lateral intervertebral neurovascular foramen using computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis in dogs following lateral foraminotomy. MATERIALS  Six dogs that underwent lumbosacral lateral foraminotomy on one or both sides were evaluated with CT prior to, immediat...

The aim of this paper is the report of the long-term results of a prospective study on spinal cervical lamino-foraminotomy via posterior route for the surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathies due to spondylodiscoarthrosis. The goal of the described surgical procedure is the bony decompression of the involved root leaving the intervertebral protruded or herniated discs intact. Indication, ...

Posterior cervical foraminotomy is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of radicular pain caused by foraminal stenosis or posterolateral herniated discs. The present study was performed to compare the clinical parameters and surgical outcomes of open foraminotomy/discectomy (OF/OFD) and tubular retractor assisted foraminotomy/discectomy (TAF/TAFD) in the treatment of cervical radic...

OBJECTIVE To determine if endoscopic-assisted foraminotomy significantly increased the area of the L7-S1 intervertebral foramen and if, over 12 weeks, stenosis would occur. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, experimental study. ANIMAL POPULATION Six clinically normal, 22-29 kg, adult dogs. METHODS Using endoscopic assistance, unilateral L7-S1 foraminotomy was performed. Computed tomography of L7-S...

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive spine surgery limits surgical trauma and avoids traditional open surgery so in the majority of cases, recovery is much quicker and patients have less pain after surgery. AIM The authors describe an endoscopic approach to anterior cervical foraminotomy (ACF) by Destandau's method. MATERIAL AND METHODS Anterior cervical foraminotomy by Destandau's method is carri...

We report a very rare (5~7%) case of bilateral C5 palsy after cervical surgery. A 71-year-old male patient with cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) with foraminal stenosis at bilateral C4/5 underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery. After surgery, muscle weakness in his both deltoid and biceps was detected and gradually deteriorated to complete paralysis. ...

BACKGROUND Cervical radiculopathy caused by spondylotic foraminal stenosis may require surgical treatment. Surgical options include anterior cervical foraminotomy and fusion or posterior cervical foraminotomy. Controversy remains regarding the preferable surgical approach. Pertinent clinical evidence is limited to low-quality observational reports. Therefore, treatment decisions are predominant...