title: Novel Foraminal Expansion Technique.
abstract: The technique we describe was developed for cervical foraminal stenosis for cases in which a keyhole foraminotomy would not be effective. Many cervical stenosis cases are so severe that keyhole foraminotomy is not successful. However, the technique outlined in this study provides adequate enlargement of an entire cervical foraminal diameter. This study reports on a novel foraminal expansion technique. Linear drilling was performed in the middle of the facet joint. A small bone graft was placed between the divided lateral masses after distraction. A lateral mass stabilization was performed with screws and rods following the expansion procedure. A cervical foramen was linearly drilled medially to laterally, then expanded with small bone grafts, and a lateral mass instrumentation was added with surgery. The patient was well after the surgery. The novel foraminal expansion is an effective surgical method for severe foraminal stenosis.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Ali Fahir
authors: AF
authors: Ozer
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Salim
authors: S
authors: Senturk
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Mert
authors: M
authors: Ciplak
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Tunc
authors: T
authors: Oktenoglu
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Mehdi
authors: M
authors: Sasani
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Emrah
authors: E
authors: Egemen
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Onur
authors: O
authors: Yaman
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Tuncer
authors: T
authors: Suzer
keywords: Cervical; Foraminotomy; Instrumentation; Minimal invasive surgery