A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a part of the bone called lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the spine. While it can be an effective treatment for conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs, there are potential long-term problems that patients may experience after the surgery.
One common long-term issue following a laminectomy is a persistent or recurrent back pain. This can be caused by changes in the structure of the spine or surrounding tissues due to the surgery. Patients may also experience a loss of flexibility and mobility in the spine, leading to stiffness and difficulty in performing everyday activities.
Another potential complication is the development of scar tissue around the surgical site. This scar tissue can put pressure on the nerves in the spine, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. In some cases, patients may also experience a condition called adjacent segment disease, where the vertebrae above or below the surgical site become degenerated or unstable over time.
In order to minimize the risk of long-term problems after a laminectomy, it is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions, engage in physical therapy, and practice good posture and body mechanics. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent complications and promote long-term spinal health.
Why does my back still hurt after a laminectomy?
Post-laminectomy syndrome causes Persistent pain after a spinal surgery may be due to several causes which include: Nerve root compression. Recurring herniated disc. Joint hypermobility.
Does bone grow back after laminectomy?
Bone regrowth has been known to occur at decompression sites [1–4]. Postacchini and Cinotti [4] reported that 88% of patients show bone regrowth 8.6 years after total or bilateral laminectomy, with two reported cases showing marked bone regrowth and lumbar canal restenosis.Jun 3, 2022
How many years does a laminectomy last?
Success Rates of Laminectomy for Spinal Stenosis Between 85% and 90% of patients who are suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis find relief from leg pain and numbness after having a laminectomy procedure. The healing effects last up to 10 years in 75% of these patients.
What are the disadvantages of a laminectomy?
Complications of a laminectomy blood clots in the legs. chest infection. damage to the dura (which covers the spinal cord) leading to leakage of spinal fluid. injury to the nerve, weakness and numbness.
Is a laminectomy a major surgery?
This is considered a major surgery and the last resort if conservative methods of treatment doesn’t work.
What is the difference between a Microdiscectomy and a laminectomy?
A laminectomy involves the removal of all or part of the vertebral bone (lamina). A microdiscectomy involves the removal of a portion of the intervertebral disc, usually the herniated or protruding portion compressing the traversing spinal nerve root.
Can you do a discectomy without a laminectomy?
More commonly, a surgeon will recommend a microdiscectomy without also needing a laminectomy. This is more likely to be the case if the nerve irritation is fairly minor or if only a small portion of protruding disc material needs to be removed.Jun 3, 2022
Is disc removed during laminectomy?
Minimally invasive surgeries typically use smaller incisions than those used for open procedures. If laminectomy is being performed as part of surgical treatment for a herniated disk, the surgeon also removes the herniated portion of the disk and any pieces that have broken loose (diskectomydiskectomyDiskectomy is surgery to remove the damaged part of a disk in the spine that has its soft center pushing out through the tough outer lining. A herniated disk can irritate or press on nearby nerves. Diskectomy works best for treating pain that travels down the arms or legs from a compressed nerve.https://www.mayoclinic.org › about › pac-20393837Diskectomy – Mayo Clinic).
Is laminectomy high risk surgery?
Laminectomy is generally safe. But as with any surgery, complications can occur. Potential complications include: Bleeding.
