Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy with tubular distractors. A, Kirschner wire identification of area of interest. B, Placement of serial dilators. C, Placement of tubular retractor. D and E, Laminotomy and foraminotomy. F and G, Disc removal and nerve root decompression.(From Fessler RG, Khoo LT: Minimally invasive cervical microendoscopic foraminotomy: an initial clinical experience, Neurosurgery 51[Suppl 2]:37, 2002.) SEE TECHNIQUE 38.5.