Posterior Cervical Laminoforaminotomy Performed in Houston, Cypress & Tomball, TX

Posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy is a surgical procedure designed to widen the space in the spine and foramina, which are hollow archways created by the pedicles of adjacent vertebrae through which nerve roots exit the spinal cord. Normally, there is sufficient space for the nerves to freely pass through these areas. However, certain conditions such as cervical spinal stenosis can cause the spaces inside the vertebrae or foramina to become narrower. As a result, the nerves may become compressed or pinched.

The goal of posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy is to relieve neck, arm, or hand pain, numbness, and weakness, and to restore fine motor control lost through nerve pressure. The term “posterior” refers to the placement of the surgical incision, which is made on the back (posterior) of the neck. By removing a small portion of the bone from the lamina (top portion of a vertebra) and the foramina, a surgeon can widen these spaces to alleviate the nerve pressure.

Minimally Invasive Techniques

In some cases, a surgeon can perform a posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy using minimally invasive techniques. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision over the spine, then moves the overlying muscles and soft tissues aside (instead of cutting through them) to access the surgical site. As compared to traditional open spine surgery, this approach typically results in a faster recovery and less postoperative pain.

The first step in determining if posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy is right for you is to schedule an evaluation with a spine specialist. R. Alexander Mohr, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who practices in Houston, Cypress, and Tomball, Texas. Dr. Mohr was an early adopter of—and continues to be a proponent of—minimally invasive spine surgery, and his specialties include minimally invasive posterior cervical instrumentation and fusion and cervical laminoplasty. That said, he will not suggest a minimally invasive approach unless he believes it is optimal. Instead, he will recommend the least invasive treatment approach that offers the most potential long-term benefits.

Dr. Mohr is known for being very down-to-earth and approachable. If you’d like to consult with him, you can request an appointment at his office in Houston or Cypress, TX.