• Mark J. Downey, MD & Alex Cotter, MD
    10 Old Montgomery Hwy #200. Homewood, AL 35209
    Appointments & Referrals: (205) 271-6511

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MIS Cervical Foraminotomy

A Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure to relieve pain/weakness resulting from a pinched spinal nerve. The surgical procedure is designed to allow for more space for the spinal nerves to pass through reducing spinal nerve root compression.

Typically the patient is under general anesthesia. A small incision about an inch long is made over the treated area.  The spine surgeon will use a tubular retractor to access the area, which contributes to keeping the operation minimally invasive. An endoscope is used along with special instruments to remove a small amount of bone to allow access to the nerve root. If the patient’s disc is causing compression of the nerve root, it is carefully lifted and the disc material is removed. This helps take pressure off the nerve root.

A posterior cervical foraminotomy can provide relief of nerve root compression causing pain in the patient with minimal bone removal. The wound is then carefully stitched closed and the patient can go home later that day.

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Spine Group Alabama specializes in the treatment of back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, and all types of ligament strain related to the neck and low back. Spine Group Alabama is referred  back and neck pain patients from across Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Huntsville and Montgomery.

Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4:30pm
Friday: 8am - 2:30pm
Saturday/Sunday: Closed
(205) 271-6511

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