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Cervical Foraminotomy
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| Symptoms |
Cervical
nerve roots compression is caused by herniated discs
and bone spurs. Traditional symptoms include neck pain,
shoulder pain, pins and needles, numbness, tingling,
or weakness in the arms and hands. Conservative treatment
can include light traction, anti-inflammatory medication,
contrasteriods, and nerve root injections. |
| Treatment |
If
conservative therapy fails, a cervical foraminotomy
is performed to enlarge the space where a spinal nerve
root exits the cervical spinal canal.
During the operation, the muscles
are dissected and a retractor is placed. (Sometimes an
endoscope and tubular retractor or microscope are used).
Bone from the posterior arch of the spine and joint over
the nerve are removed using special cutting instruments
and/or a drill. Thickened ligament, bone spurs and bulging
discs are removed to decompress the exiting nerve, which
is checked with a probe to insure adequate space around
the nerve root.
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| Recovery |
In
most cases patients stay in the hospital for 24 hours,
and generally do not need a cervical collar. Most patients
will notice immediate improvement of their symptoms,
however some symptoms may improve gradually. A positive
attitude, reasonable expectations contribute to a satisfactory
outcome. Most patients discontinue pain medication
and resume their regular activities within a few weeks.
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Related
links:
Spinal Anatomy
Cervical Anatomy
Cervical Cases performed by Dr. Pashman
Neck FAQ's
www.NeckPainExplained.com
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