The surgical removal of a large amount of bone and other tissue.

An example would be opening the foramen widely in order to free the passage for a nerve, to remove constriction, and to gain access to a herniated disc which is to the side (outside) of the spinal canal.

The foramen is the natural passage or tunnel between the vertebrae of the spine through which a nerve root exits from the spinal canal on its path to a specific tissue or organ. When this foramen becomes narrowed, the nerve can become irritated or dysfunctional.

This is commonly seen in conditions; such as, spinal stenosis, lateral disc herniations, and facet arthritis.