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LILi SpineJoshua Li, MD, PhD

Cervical spine

Posterior cervical foraminotomy

A small posterior window to free a pinched cervical nerve

Motion preservingMinimally invasive option
Cervical spine anatomy related to Posterior cervical foraminotomy

Not every pinched cervical nerve needs an artificial disc or a fusion. When the compression is lateral — in the foramen — a posterior foraminotomy can unroof the nerve through a muscle-sparing corridor.

Motion is preserved. Swallowing is not affected. The tradeoff is that central cord compression and collapsed discs are not treated by this operation, and it is not chosen when those problems are present.

What to expect

  • Often outpatient or overnight. A small posterior incision.
  • Arm pain typically improves quickly once the nerve is free.

Recovery

  • Most patients resume desk work within one to two weeks.
  • Heavy lifting and contact sport wait until the small bony window has quieted.

From the surgery library

Educational X-Ray Images

Teaching films of foraminotomy. They are not a diagnosis.

Sagittal and axial cervical MRI with arrows at the compressed foramenCervical MRI — foraminal compression (preoperative)Lateral cervical x-ray without fusion hardware after posterior foraminotomyCervical spine — lateral x-rayIntraoperative lateral fluoroscopy with an instrument at the cervical foramenIntraoperative fluoroscopy — posterior cervical foraminotomy
View educational x-ray images

More cervical spine procedures

Cervical disc replacementAnterior cervical discectomy and fusionLaminoplastyCervical corpectomyPosterior cervical fusion

This page is educational. It is not a recommendation for surgery. Whether a procedure is appropriate is decided after examination, imaging, and a conversation about goals and risk.

FAQ

Questions about foraminotomy

What is posterior cervical foraminotomy?

From the back of the neck, a small amount of bone is removed to open the nerve foramen — without fusing the segment and without an anterior approach.

Who is foraminotomy for?

Posterior cervical foraminotomy is often considered for: Unilateral cervical radiculopathy from foraminal stenosis or a lateral disc; Patients who want to avoid fusion and anterior retraction of the airway; Selected revision of residual foraminal compression.

Does posterior cervical foraminotomy preserve motion?

Yes. Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a motion-preserving option. Dr. Li does not recommend fusion when this procedure can treat the condition.

What is recovery like after foraminotomy?

Most patients resume desk work within one to two weeks. Heavy lifting and contact sport wait until the small bony window has quieted.

Appointments

Ready to take the next step toward recovery?

New patients are welcome. Call the spine clinic or send a note — the team will help you find the right visit.

Request an appointmentCall 434.243.3633