Cervical Endoscopic Foraminotomy

A Cervical Endoscopic Foraminotomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery designed to relieve nerve compression in the neck (cervical spine).
Using a tiny camera (endoscope) and specialized instruments, Dr. Fried creates more space in the foramen — the narrow opening where spinal nerves exit the spinal canal — to alleviate pain, tingling, and weakness.

Unlike traditional open surgery, this approach uses a small incision, minimal muscle disruption, and is often performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to go home the same day.
 

Cervical Endoscopic Foraminotomy is ideal for patients with nerve root compression in the neck caused by:

• Herniated discs
   
• Bone spurs (from spinal arthritis or degeneration)
   
• Cervical foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the nerve passageway)
   
• Cervical radiculopathy (arm pain from a pinched nerve)
   
• Recurrent nerve compression after prior surgery
   

• Cervical Endoscopic Foraminotomy focuses on decompressing the nerve through a small opening while preserving the natural disc and motion of the spine.
   
• ACDF (fusion) removes the entire disc and fuses two vertebrae, eliminating motion at that level.
   
• Cervical Disc Replacement also removes the disc but replaces it with an artificial implant to maintain motion.
   

Key benefit: Foraminotomy is less invasive and does not require implants or fusion, making it an excellent option for patients with isolated nerve compression.
 

You may be a good candidate if you have:

• Persistent neck and arm pain caused by a pinched nerve
   
• Numbness or tingling radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
   
• Muscle weakness affecting grip strength or arm function
   
• Symptoms that haven’t improved with conservative care, such as physical therapy, medications, or injections
   
• Single-level nerve compression without significant spinal instability
   

Patients with spinal cord compression (cervical myelopathy) or multi-level disease may require other procedures such as ACDF or disc replacement.l factors may be better suited for a fusion.

• Small incision: two small incisions are made in the back of the neck.
   
• Endoscopic access: A thin tube and high-definition camera are inserted to view the compressed nerve.
   
• Precise decompression: Using tiny instruments, Dr. Fried carefully removes bone spurs, ligament overgrowth, or disc material pressing on the nerve.
   
• Closure: The incision is closed with minimal stitches or adhesive.

• Very small incision with minimal scarring
   
• Less muscle disruption compared to open surgery
   
• Preserves natural motion – no fusion required
   
• Outpatient procedure – most patients go home the same day
   
• Faster recovery and return to daily activities
   
• Reduced postoperative pain and decreased need for opioids
   

• Same-day discharge: Most patients go home within a few hours of surgery.
   
• Return to light activity: Many patients resume desk work or light tasks within 1–2 weeks.
   
• Physical therapy: May be recommended to rebuild strength and flexibility at 6 weeks.
   

Most patients experience immediate relief of arm pain, while numbness or weakness may improve gradually over several weeks.

• Stop certain medications such as blood thinners, as directed by Dr. Fried.
   
• Avoid eating or drinking for a set period before surgery.
   
• Arrange transportation home since this is an outpatient procedure.
   
• Prepare a comfortable recovery area at home with essentials within easy reach.
   
• Quit smoking if possible, as it improves healing and reduces complications.

Contact Dr. Fried’s office right away if you experience:

• Fever, chills, or signs of infection at the incision site
   
• New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness
   
• Severe difficulty swallowing or breathing
   
• Sudden, severe neck pain that doesn’t improve with medication