Dr. Gurudeo Kumar at Arthoscenter Patna has successfully performed over 380 foraminotomy procedures with a 90% excellent outcome rate, specializing in both cervical and lumbar nerve root decompression. Foraminotomy is a highly effective surgical solution for foraminal stenosis - narrowing of the neural foramen that compresses spinal nerve roots. The neural foramen are small openings between adjacent vertebrae through which spinal nerve roots exit the spinal canal to travel to the arms (cervical spine) or legs (lumbar spine). These openings can become narrowed due to bone spurs (osteophytes), herniated disc material bulging into the foramen, thickened ligaments, or enlarged facet joints from arthritis. When these structures compress the exiting nerve root, patients experience radiculopathy - shooting pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness radiating along the nerve's distribution. Foraminotomy involves surgically enlarging the foramen by carefully removing the compressing structures - trimming bone spurs, removing herniated disc fragments, or shaving down enlarged facet joints. This creates more space for the nerve root, relieving compression and allowing normal nerve function to return. The procedure can be performed as a stand-alone operation or combined with other spine surgeries like discectomy or laminectomy. Cervical foraminotomy addresses nerve compression in the neck, most commonly at C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels. Patients typically present with arm pain, shoulder pain radiating to fingers, numbness in specific finger patterns, and hand weakness. The procedure can be performed from the back of the neck (posterior approach) or sometimes from the front (anterior approach). Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques are increasingly used for selected cases. Lumbar foraminotomy treats nerve compression in the lower back, most frequently at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. Symptoms include leg pain (sciatica), buttock pain radiating down the leg, foot numbness, and leg weakness. The procedure is usually performed from the back using minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions and muscle-sparing approaches. Benefits of foraminotomy include targeted nerve decompression without destabilizing the spine (unlike fusion surgery), preservation of normal spinal motion, faster recovery compared to fusion procedures, minimal tissue disruption with modern minimally invasive techniques, high success rates (85-90%) for properly selected patients, and ability to address multiple levels if needed. Dr. Kumar employs advanced microsurgical techniques and intraoperative nerve monitoring to maximize safety and effectiveness. His approach emphasizes thorough pre-operative imaging analysis with MRI and CT scans to precisely identify compression points, careful surgical technique to decompress nerves while preserving spinal stability, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation to optimize outcomes and prevent recurrence.