Foraminotomy
A foraminotomy is a surgical intervention performed to relieve pressure on the nerve roots in the spine. Specifically, the procedure is used to open up the foramen or open the vertebra bone, a place where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. In fact, the peripheral nervous system makes up the foramen, the nerve that exits the spinal canal. In case the foramen is narrow, the person can feel the nerve pain and other symptoms that may affect the movement. Therefore, a foraminotomy can be beneficial in relieving pressure and reducing pain.
Furthermore, a foraminotomy in India is a surgical procedure that enlarges the area around one of the compressed nerves in the spinal column. The spine consists of a chain of bones known as vertebrae. The intervertebral disks are placed between vertebrae and work as a cushion.
Sometimes, the compressed nerve can cause symptoms such as pain, tingling in the arms and legs, or weakness. Ultimately, the accurate symptoms depend on the location of the compressed nerve along the spinal column.
Conditions the need foraminotomy
A spinal column is the reason why an intervertebral foramen are called spinal stenosis or foraminal stenosis. Conditions that can be the reason for spinal stenosis include:
- Degenerative disease of the spine, that causes bony spurs
- Degeneration of the intervertebral disks.
- Enlargement of the nearby ligament
- Slippage of one vertebra over another
- Cysts or tumors
- Skeletal disease like paget disease
- Congenital problems such as dwarfism
- The most common cause is degenerative disease of the spine from old age.
Types of foraminotomy
Foraminotomy in India performs the same procedure but happens at different places on the spine. Types of foraminotomy include:
Cervical foraminotomy: Top of the spine (neck)
Thoracic foraminotomy: Upper or middle part of the spine
Lumbar foraminotomy: Lower part of the spine
Sacral foraminotomy: Pelvis or far lower spine
Coccygeal foraminotomy: Tailbone
Understanding the symptoms that treats foraminotomy
A spinal stenosis is a condition that is treated with foraminotomy. This is when the narrowing of space within the spinal canal. When nerve roots don't have much space that it should be, it causes the following symptoms that can interfere in daily routine:
- Pain
- Difficulty in movement, walking, holding objects
- Numbness and tingling in the arms or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Incontinence
Benefits of foraminotomy
Here are some common benefits of foraminotomy include
- Relieve nerve pressure
- Improve symptoms like nerve pain
- Numbness
- Improves movement in moving
- Prevent risk of stenosis like chronic pain
Risks of a foraminotomy
Here are some common risks of foraminotomy that may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Spinal instability
- Little or no relief in the symptoms
- Limited function of the neck and back
Procedure of foraminotomy
- Before starting the procedure, the patient is given general anesthesia. It helps to feel no pain during the treatment.
- Surgeons will make an incision near the area that is affected.
- Move skin, muscles and ligaments to get better access to the bones.
- Cut the foramen bone to expand the nerve root opening
- Some more procedures are performed to expand the spinal canal such as laminotomy or laminectomy if required. This also may stabilize the spinal column by connecting the bones.
- Again moving the muscles, ligaments and skin back into place.
- Then close the incision site.
Cost of foraminotomy in India
The cost of foraminotomy in India is affordable and cost effective than other western nations. India is a hub for medical treatments that provide immense care and facilities. Additionally India is among nations that are higher in advanced technology that leads to better treatment at most reasonable price.
However, the overall cost of the treatment may vary depending on several factors. These factors include the surgeon’s expertise, the type of implant, the location of the hospital, and more.
Top neurosurgeons in India provide the best services and greater precision to their cases.
Summary
A foraminotomy is a surgical intervention performed to relieve pressure on the nerve roots in the spine.
In fact, the peripheral nervous system makes up the foramen, the nerve that exits the spinal canal.
A spinal column is the reason why an intervertebral foramen are called spinal stenosis or foraminal stenosis.
