Minimally invasive anterior foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy: how I do it.

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment for cervical radiculopathy is anterior discectomy and fusion. The authors describe a minimally invasive anterior cervical foraminotomy as a surgical option for direct nerve root decompression in cervical radiculopathy.

METHOD: Through a modified Smith-Robinson approach, the prevertebral fascia is mobilized laterally, displacing the sympathetic chain with it. A thumbnail size portion of the longus colli muscle is removed. A tubular retractor is placed, centered over the index uncovertebral joint. The lateral part of the joint is progressively drilled towards the foramen. After exposure of the intervertebral foramen, the perivascular ligamentous tissue is opened. Removal of disc fragments and osteophytes allows direct visualization and direct decompression of the nerve root.

CONCLUSION

Anterior cervical foraminotomy is a safe "motion preserving" procedure for direct nerve decompression in selected patients with cervical radiculopathy that does not require cervical fusion.