The Result of Posterior Microforaminotomy for Posterolateral Herniation of Cervical Discs

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of posterior microforaminotomy in treatment of posterolateral cervical disc herniation, the authors retrospectively analyzed the result of posterior microforaminotomy in our institute. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with radiculopathy due to posterolateral cervical disc herniation have been treated with posterior microforaminotomy from August 1996 to July 2000. We analyzed clinical results in all patients who were followed up for an average of 10 months. RESULTS: The mean age was 47.2 years and all patients were treated with posterior microforaminotomy as primary treatment. one patient was received anterior cervical interbody fusion with iliac bone 12 years before. Clinical improvement in the last follow-up were seen in all patients and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: Microcervical foraminotomy is considered useful operative method for posterolateral soft disc herniation. We conclude that the posterior microforaminotomy for radiculopathy due to soft posterolateral cervical disc herniation seems to be safe and effective in selective patients.