Details.
A minimally invasive posterior neck procedure that enlarges the foramen to relieve compression of a cervical nerve root causing arm pain, numbness and weakness. It is suitable for selected patients with lateral cervical disc herniation or foraminal stenosis, and may be performed using microscopic, tubular or endoscopic techniques. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, does not typically involve fusion or implanted hardware, and may include removal of an accessible disc fragment. Hospital stay is typically one to two days for the microscopic technique, or same-day to next-day for the endoscopic approach. Walking can begin from the day of surgery, driving is generally after 1 to 2 weeks, office work after 1 to 2 weeks, and physical work after 3 to 4 weeks.