A Novel Technique for Cervical Microscopic Foraminotomy Utilizing Spinous Process Splitting: Microscopic Mini-Open Foraminotomy.

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we present "microscopic mini-open foraminotomy (MicroMOF)" as a new, less invasive method for posterior cervical foraminotomy.

TECHNICAL NOTE

Using surgical microscope guidance, the spinous process is hemi-split, and the posterior muscle is detached from the laminar subperiosteal surface. Bony resection is then performed obliquely from medial posterior to lateral anterior under lateral-tilted surgical field exposure. MicroMOF has been performed successfully for cervical radiculopathy and cervical spondylotic amyotrophy, which achieved postoperative symptom improvement with few complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel MicroMOF foraminotomy technique has been found to protect the nerve root and vertebral artery and help preserve muscle and cervical facet joint bone.