Posterior Cervical Decompression (Foraminotomy) Surgery 

Coming Soon! This procedure will soon be available at our Toronto facility. 

At Surgical Solutions Network, our fellowship-trained spine surgeons perform posterior cervical decompression (foraminotomy) surgery using advanced techniques, including minimally invasive approaches where suitable, to help patients achieve relief from persistent pain and a better quality of life. 

What Is Posterior Cervical Decompression Surgery?

Posterior cervical decompression (foraminotomy) is a type of spine surgery performed through the back of the neck to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve as it exits the cervical spine (neck). Your surgeon enlarges a small opening in the bone called the neural foramen, where the nerve root travels out from the spinal canal. This procedure is primarily indicated for one-sided arm pain caused by a “pinched” nerve and helps reduce neck and arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness caused by a “pinched” nerve.    
  
This procedure is usually considered when nonsurgical treatments (such as physiotherapy, medications, or injections) have not provided adequate relief. 

What Does Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy Surgery Treat?

Posterior foraminotomy surgery may be recommended when a nerve root in the neck is compressed by:

• Bone spurs (osteophytes) from arthritis or wear-and-tear (spondylosis) 
• Herniated or bulging discs that protrude into the foramen 
• Thickened ligaments or joints narrowing the nerve passage 
•  Foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the nerve canal) 
• Cysts or small tumours (less commonly) 

What Symptoms Should You Be Aware Of? 

The symptoms below may indicate the need to be evaluated for foraminotomy surgery at our Toronto surgery centre:  

• Neck pain 
• Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, and/or hand 
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand 
• Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand 
• Loss of coordination or fine motor control in the hand (in some cases) 

Your spine surgeon will review your MRI and other tests to confirm that nerve compression at a specific level of the neck is the likely cause of your symptoms. 

What Happens During Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy?

While individual techniques vary by surgeon, the procedure generally includes the following steps: 

1. Anaesthesia: You are given a general anaesthetic, so you are fully asleep and comfortable during the surgery. 
2. Positioning and Incision: You are positioned face-down on a specialized operating table. A small incision is made in the back of the neck over the affected level(s). 
3. Exposure of the spine: Muscles are gently moved aside to expose the bony structures of the cervical spine. 
4. Decompression (foraminotomy): Using magnification and specialized instruments, your surgeon removes a small portion of bone and/or disc material that is narrowing the nerve opening. The foramen is enlarged to free the compressed nerve root. In some cases, this may be combined with a small discectomy (removal of part of a herniated disc). 
5. Closure: The area is checked to ensure the nerve is decompressed. The muscles and skin are closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing is applied. 

Many patients can go home the same day or after an overnight stay, depending on the extent of surgery and overall health.   

Benefits of Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy Surgery

Potential benefits of posterior cervical decompression (foraminotomy) include:

• Targeted relief of nerve compression 
• Reduction in arm and/or neck pain 
• Improvement in strength, sensation, and function of the arm and hand 
• Preservation of neck motion (in many cases, no fusion is required) 
• Minimally invasive approaches may reduce muscle disruption and speed early recovery

Individual results vary. Some symptoms, especially weakness or long-standing numbness, may take time to improve and may not fully resolve. 

Who’s a Good Candidate?

You may be an ideal candidate for posterior cervical foraminotomy surgery if: 

• Imaging (such as MRI or CT) shows foraminal stenosis or disc herniation at one or two levels in the neck that corresponds with your symptoms 
• You have arm pain, numbness, or weakness due to a pinched nerve that has not responded to non-surgical treatments 
• Your neck alignment is reasonably well preserved, and there is no significant instability 

For some patients with severe neck pain, marked spinal deformity (such as kyphosis), multiple levels of disease, or evidence of spinal cord compression, a different type of spine surgery may be recommended. 

Your spine surgeon will review your specific situation and discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.  

Why choose Surgical Solutions Network?

Through our network of accredited surgical centres across Canada, Surgical Solutions Network offers: 

• Experienced spine surgeons with expertise in cervical decompression procedures  
• Modern operating rooms and advanced imaging technologies 
• Coordinated care between your surgeon, anaesthesia team, nurses, and rehabilitation providers 
• Timely access to surgery, reducing wait times for patients with persistent and disabling symptoms 
• Exceptional patient education, safety, and comfort before, during, and after your procedure 

Your surgeon will work with you to develop a treatment plan that reflects your goals, lifestyle, and medical needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is posterior cervical foraminotomy always done with fusion? 

No. In many cases, this procedure is performed without a fusion, allowing for preservation of neck motion. However, if there is instability, deformity, or other issues, your surgeon may recommend adding a fusion or a different approach. 

Will my pain be completely gone after surgery? 

Many patients experience significant relief of arm pain relatively quickly after decompression. Neck pain, numbness, or weakness may improve more gradually, and some symptoms may persist, especially if the nerve has been compressed for an extended period. 

What if my symptoms come back? 

Your surgeon will monitor you at follow-up visits and discuss further treatment options if needed. Recurrent symptoms can occasionally occur due to further degeneration at the same level or nearby levels. 

Take the Next Step

If you’re experiencing neck and arm pain or symptoms of a pinched nerve and would like to know if posterior cervical decompression (foraminotomy) is right for you, we’re here to help.   

Contact Surgical Solutions Network, or call us at (888) 888-4250. A member of our care coordination team will guide you through your next steps and assist you in booking a spine surgery consultation with us in Toronto.