Surgery

I have to make a decision on surgery to correct a minimal left-sided neuroforaminal narrowing present at C5-6 and C6-7. This problem is due to the uncovertebral ridging and facet joint disease.

[kittyluv1]

Is the surgery being done referred to as a foraminotomy?  If there is only minimal left sided narrowing is it at both levels?  How severe are your symptoms of pain and nerve involvement?  Are you limited in your activity or job duties due to your symptoms?

I had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion C4-C7 done eight weeks ago due to cervical  spinal stenosis and radiculopathy,  My surgery was needed due to the extent of narrowing of the foramen as well as the central canal.  My degenerative changes were such that the C4-C5 vertebrae were practically fused together requiring major dissection by my neurosurgeon.  I can say that my surgery was a complete success and I am recovering with minimal residuals.

If surgery for you is being done based on the minimal narrowing, has your doctor stated what risks might be involved if you did not have surgery at this time?  Is there any evidence of degenerative changes at other levels?  DDD is a progressive process and subsequent changes could lead to additional surgery at a later date.

The foraminotomy is usually done to try and avoid more extensive surgery and maintain as much normal movement and function as possible.  If you are relatively young and are physically active, this option might be beneficial.  
Additional information regarding this procedure can be found at www.orthogate.org.
Enter cervical foraminotomy in the search area.  It might assist you in making a decision regarding your treatment.

Post with an update and any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes ----