The spinal cord travels down the 33 vertebrae through openings on each vertebra called the vertebral foramen or opening. In addition, nerves travel out from the spinal cord to the body through smaller openings, called the transverse foramen. When the foramina become blocked with debris such as bone formations, the openings narrow, causing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This often-painful condition is called spinal stenosis. During foraminotomy, surgeons remove debris and increase the size of the foramen to relieve nerve pressure. The technique can sometimes be done using minimally invasive techniques to speed recovery.

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