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.
Keywords: cervical radiculopathy; cervical spondylotic amyotrophy; foraminotomy; microscopic surgery; minimally invasive surgery.
Copyright © 2021 by The Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research.