A new study published in The Spine Journal examined the outcomes for posterior cervical foraminotomy with and without microdiscectomy.
The researchers examined 70 patients treated with minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy for cervical radiculopathy with and without microdiscectomy. There were three complications, but none of those patients required a second operative intervention. There were five patients who required anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at an average of 44 months postoperatively.
The NDI scores were significantly improved immediately postoperatively and decreased gradually over time. Visual Analog Scale Neck/Arm scores also improved from the baseline but plateaued over time.
The researchers concluded the minimally invasive procedure with and without microdiscectomy was an "excellent alternative for cervical radiculopathy."
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