This is an animation of a the first stage of a right sided Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar (laser) Decompression and Foraminoplasty. The animation shows the clearance of the tissues binding down the nerve as it exits the spinal canal through the foramen with subsequent clearance of the Safe Working Zone and resection of the Superior Foraminal Ligament. The surgeon may proceed to enter the disc as a second stage. The technique allows the surgeon to find the source of the pain and discretely treat this thus addressing disc bulges, narrowing of the doorway (stenosis) failed back surgery and avoiding the need for fusion or total disc replacement surgery.
