CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
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?
If you're experiencing trapped nerve pain, your consultant may recommend 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
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.
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.
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 Foraminotomy locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street London W1W 5AH
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street London W1G 6PU
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place London W1U 5NY
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RH
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road London NW8 7JA
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road
280 King's Road London SW3 5AW
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre London NW11 9PY
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House Elstree WD6 3BS
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.