Foraminotomy
Decompression surgery for trapped nerves
Our advanced surgical procedure helps to relieve nerve compression causing pain and numbness in the back and legs
What is a foraminotomy?
This decompression surgery widens the gap between vertebrae to release pinched nerves and relieve pain.
It's a minimally invasive procedure and most patients are discharged the same day.
Need to know
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What happens during a foraminotomy? icon plus
The neuroforamen are passageways formed on both sides of the upper and lower vertebra. Over time, the neuro-foramina can reduce in size — this means there's less room for the spinal nerves. These trapped nerves can cause pain, stiffness, numbness and weakness.
The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. A small incision is made to access the spine and special equipment is used to remove debris from the neuroforamen — bone spurs or thickened ligaments for example. When enough space has been created around the nerve root, absorbable sutures are used to close the layers of skin and muscle. -
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. As general anaesthetic is used for this procedure, you may need to fast for several hours before the operation.
Your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. -
After surgery icon plus
Foraminotomy is usually a routine procedure, and you'll be encouraged to move around after surgery. Most patients stay one night, some go home the same day.
Your consultant will advise. Patients undergoing a cervical foraminotomy may be given a cervical collar to stabilise the neck.
Our spinal consultants
Our locations in London
From complex spinal surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional spinal care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital Spinal Unit
South Building, Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road
Elstree WD6 3BS
Private Foraminotomy in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Private Foraminotomy in Manchester
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
Request a spinal appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced spinal consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344