Medial cervical facetectomy for radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis: 71 personal consecutive cases

Medial cervical facetectomy performed on patients using a high speed drill and-microscope represents an effective way for treatment of patients with r adiculopathy due to multi-level, either uni- or bilateral, foraminal stenos is. The author presents the results of medial cervical facetectomy performe d in 71 cases during a 4 year period. Medial cervical facetectomy appears t o provide significant benefits to patients with radiculopathy secondary to foraminal stenosis. The procedure also appears to be superior to complete f oraminotomy for relief of radiculopathy as the lateral third to half of the facet joint is still preserved and there is no instability problem.