Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy (PCF) is a minimally invasive procedure to decompress pinched nerve roots in the cervical spine through a small posterior incision. This motion-preserving procedure does not require fusion and is ideal for patients with soft disc herniation or foraminal narrowing causing arm pain (radiculopathy).
Key Advantages
What is Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy?
PCF is performed through a small incision at the back of the neck. The surgeon uses a microscope or endoscope to enlarge the neural foramen (the opening through which the nerve root exits the spinal canal), relieving pressure on the compressed nerve root. No fusion is required — the disc and motion are preserved.
When is PCF Recommended?
- Cervical radiculopathy (arm pain) from soft disc herniation or foraminal stenosis
- One or two-level cervical nerve root compression
- Patients who prefer a motion-preserving alternative to ACDF
- Recurrence of symptoms after previous ACDF at an adjacent level
Recovery
• Patient walks same day • Hospital stay: 1 day • Return to office work: 1–2 weeks • Full activities: 4–6 weeks • No fusion hardware — no activity restrictions long term