Foraminotomy Miami

Foraminotomy is a surgical procedure to facilitate spinal nerve root diseases caused by the narrowing of foramina, the gaps in the spine through which the spinal nerves pass. Narrowing of foramina usually results in pressure on the spinal nerves and might cause pain, numbness, or weakness. A foraminotomy enlarges the foramina to reduce the pressure on the spinal nerves, reducing pain.

If you are looking for an experienced surgeon for a foraminotomy in Miami, you are at the right place. Dr. Shelby Burks is a most experienced neurosurgeon based in Miami who performs this minimally invasive procedure for faster recovery and less pain for patients.

What is Foraminotomy surgery?

Foraminotomy is a type of decompression surgery that can alleviate the pain associated with foraminal stenosis in a minimally invasive manner. The human spine is made up of stacked vertebrae with intervertebral discs in between, allowing the spine to move freely without compressing the nerves. The foramina, small openings on both sides of the vertebrae, allow nerve roots to travel from the spinal cord to other parts of the body. When the foramina narrows due to spine conditions such as bulging discs, it causes foraminal stenosis, or the narrowing of the foraminal spine.

Why the Procedure Is Performed?

The procedure is performed when a patient is diagnosed with foraminal spinal stenosis. It is a condition where a bundle of nerves (nerve roots) leaves the spinal cord through openings in the spinal column (neural foramens). The narrowing of these openings for the nerve root puts pressure on the nerve.

Doctors usually recommend surgery in situations where patients experience severe symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. These symptoms include:

• Deep and steady pain in the thigh, calf, lower back, shoulder, arms, or hands.
• Pain while performing certain activities or moving the body a certain way.
• Trouble walking or holding things.
• Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

About the Foraminotomy procedure:

The spine consists of bones, also known as vertebrae, separated from each other by intervertebral discs, allowing easy spine movement. Each vertebra has a hole known as a foramen, through which the nerve roots pass. Because of conditions like arthritis or a bulging disc, they may apply pressure on the nerve and cause pain, weakness, or tingling if these holes get restricted. A foraminotomy will facilitate the bone or disc material, causing the narrowing, thus providing more space for the nerve.

Foraminotomy is performed after another treatment choice, such as medications or physical therapy. It is the best choice for patients who suffer from chronic back pain, leg pain, or numbness because of nerve pressure.

Symptoms that show you may need a Foraminotomy procedure:

Foraminotomy is used to treat nerve compression because of a narrowing of the foramina.
These Symptoms are:

• Severe and constant pain in the thigh, calf, lower back, shoulder, arms, or hands.
• Pain occurs when doing specific activities or moving the body in a certain way.
• Having trouble walking or holding things.
• Numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

If these symptoms last despite non-operative treatments, then a foraminotomy procedure may be suggested to relieve discomfort and pressure off the nerves.

Procedure of Foraminotomy

The foraminotomy procedure will normally be performed under general anesthesia to keep the patient free of any suffering during the surgery. Dr. Burks will use the latest surgical methods, such as microscope techniques, to help visualize the area of nerve reduction with proper care.

The steps involved in a foraminotomy procedure are:

• Anesthesia: Dr. Burks and his team give you general anesthesia to ensure you’re pain-free during the surgery.
• Minimally Invasive Technique: Dr. Burks will make small incisions using specialized equipment to reach the spine.
• Bone and Disc Removal: Dr. Burks will remove the obstructing parts of the bone or disc that can press against the nerve root.
• Additional Steps: Sometimes, a small part of the lamina bone in the spinal cord- may also be removed to relieve pressure.

If Dr. Burks notices any spinal instability, then he will perform a spinal fusion procedure with the same surgery to treat the affected vertebrae.

Recovery after Foraminotomy

Foraminotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that has a faster recovery than standard surgery procedures for most patients, while some can even return on the same day. Some will have to spend a few days in the hospital. The recovery process completely depends on the individual; some receive rest from pain after the surgery, and some patients will feel better after a few weeks. Also, Dr. Burks will provide post-operative instructions on home care, such as:

• Avoid heavy lifting and rugged activities for some time
• Engage in physical therapy to boost muscles and improve flexibility
• Take medications to relieve pain or inflammation
• Attend follow-ups to ensure the recovery of the spine

Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, but one might take months to recover completely.

Risks

Patients are at the following risks of anesthesia and surgery in general:

• Reactions to medications
• Trouble breathing
• Bleeding, blood clots, or infection

Risks of Foraminotomy include:

• Infection in wound
• Damage to a spinal nerve, resulting in weakness, pain, or loss of feeling
• Return of back pain in the future
• Infection in vertebral bones
• Partial or no relief from pain after surgery

What to Expect After the Procedure?

The procedure is minimally invasive, which means most patients can be discharged on the day of surgery itself. However, some patients may be recommended a longer hospital stay by doctors after an evaluation of their overall condition.

Symptom Relief: Pain symptoms tend to improve immediately after the procedure. In some cases, it may fade away gradually over the course of time.

Doctor’s Instructions: The doctor will provide the patient with a set of instructions before discharge. The patient must adhere strictly to these post-operative instructions to get the desired results.

Back on Track: It is possible to resume your daily activities within a few weeks after the procedure.

Dr. Shelby Burks- Best Foraminotomy Spine Surgeon in Miami:

Dr. Shelby Burks, MD, is a board-certified surgeon by the American Association of Neurological Surgery. He is the most experienced spine surgeon in Miami and is skilled in many procedures, such as treating spinal and neurological conditions through reconstructive and minimally invasive surgery. This procedure is becoming the most helpful choice for patients. Dr. Burks and his team cooperate with patients to make individual care plans based on their needs.

Dr. Burks and his team are dedicated to offering complete care, even if treating chronic back pain or other spine-related conditions. Longer-term solutions are based on improving the entire patient’s health and quality of life, and he offers the latest treatment choices for longer-term relief.

Below are the major reasons why Dr. Burks is the best choice for patients when it comes to spine-related problems:

• Expertise in Spinal Conditions
• Patient-centered Approach
• Latest Cutting-Edge Technology
• Personalized Treatments
• Complete pre and post-operative Care.

Book Your Consultation Today!

Are you noticing foraminal stenosis symptoms such as back pain or numbness in your arms and legs? Then, contact Dr. Shelby Burks in Miami. In the starting consultation, Dr. Burks will review your condition and suggest some treatment choices for foraminotomy that may decrease your symptoms. Call 305-243-6946 for your appointment with Dr. Burks, or visit 1120 NW 14th Street, Miami, Florida 33136, and start living pain-free.

Frequently Asked Questions for Foraminotomy Miami:

Question 1. Is Foraminotomy a safe procedure?

Answer: Yes, under the guidance of an experienced spine surgeon, the foraminotomy procedure is a safe procedure. As with any surgery, there are possible risks, such as infection, nerve injury, or bleeding. Dr. Burks uses the latest technology and approach that greatly decreases those risks, allowing faster recovery.

Question 2. How long will the Foraminotomy surgery take?

Answer: Normally, foraminotomy surgery takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Dr. Burks will ensure that everything is done right to ensure the expected results for the patient’s needs.

Question 3. How long should we stay in the hospital after the Foraminotomy surgery?

Answer. In most cases, patients can go home the same day after surgery. However, patients sometimes need to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days for observation. Dr. Burks will observe your recovery closely so that you will be satisfied and safe before you go home.

Question 4. Can Foraminotomy surgery be used to treat other spinal conditions?

Answer. The foraminotomy procedure is used for the treatment of conditions that are a direct cause of nerve compression because of foraminal stenosis. As for other spine conditions like disc herniation or spinal instability, Dr. Burks could suggest other treatments, such as laminectomy, spinal fusion, or kyphoplasty, as per the patient’s unique needs.