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Has anyone had a Foraminotomy ?
I had a laminotomy/decompression of L 3-4 in March this year, which helped alot in some ways, I can walk longer and stand longer, but now since mid July I have new pain that the surgeon says is foraminal stenosis and wants to clean it out and do a fusion. I am wary of fusion. I have read about a surgery called "foraminotomy" and want to know if anyone has had this without fusion. Please advise.
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I have a minimally invasive foraminotomy w/on fusion scheduled for Jan 6th. I'm having very severe pain in front right thigh, knee, back and hip. Problem is apparently foraminal stenosis at exiting L3 nerve root. Dr. says it's mainly ligamentum flavum hitting the nerve. About an hour procedure with excellent prognosis for leg pain relief. Dr. is less certain that it will help with the back pain but he said fusion may not help there either. Another doctor wouldn't do the endoscopic procedure but wanted to do a fusion. If I think about it I'll let you know how it goes or you can reach out. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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I commented below but didn't see where you already had a laminectomy at that level. It seems to me that to do a foraminotomy at that level would weaken the joint dangerously. I would guess the doctor thinks this is why you need a fusion but he should have explained that. I wouldnt be too fearful of a fusion. I've had L4/S1 fused since 2018. Helped tremendously.Now dealing with L3 joint. It's typical to have the joint above a multilevel lumbar fusion fail after 5 - 6 years. But if you only have a 1 level fusion you may not even notice it. Just my opinion.