A laminectomy is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes a portion of the lamina, a bony structure that covers and protects the spinal cord. This procedure is typically recommended when a patient is experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include back pain, leg pain, and numbness or weakness in the legs. A laminectomy can help alleviate these symptoms by creating more space in the spinal canal and relieving the pressure on the nerves. Additionally, a laminectomy may be recommended for patients with herniated discs or other spinal abnormalities that are causing compression of the spinal cord or nerves. Overall, a laminectomy is often recommended when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief and the patient’s symptoms are significantly impacting their quality of life.
Can you have a laminoplasty without a fusion?
Cervical laminoplasty is a non-fusion, decompression procedure for cervical spondylotic myelopathymyelopathyMyelomalacia is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord. Possible causes of myelomalacia include cervical myelopathy, hemorrhagic infarction, or acute injury, such as that caused by intervertebral disc extrusion.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › MyelomalaciaMyelomalacia – Wikipedia (CSM). It is most commonly indicated for patients with multilevel stenosis who have preserved sagittal alignment and minimal to no axial neck pain related to spondylosis.
Do I really need a spinal fusion?
Spinal fusion typically works for fixing broken bones, reshaping the spine or making the spine more stable. But study results are mixed when the cause of the back or neck pain is unclear. Spinal fusion often works no better than nonsurgical treatments for back pain with a cause that’s not clear.
Can you have a laminectomy without a fusion?
If your University Spine Center physician recommends laminectomy without fusion, he or she can explain to you how the procedure will be done. In most cases, only a small amount of bone is removed.
Is fusion necessary after laminectomy?
A laminectomy will include a fusion component if a patient has experienced slippage of the vertebrae or has a curvature of the spine. The surgeon will fuse the affected vertebrae using a bone graft.
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 recovery time for a bilateral laminectomy?
You may recover fully within four to six weeks after a minimally invasive laminectomy. If you underwent a laminectomy with spinal fusion, it could take six months to heal completely. Everyone recovers at a different pace.
What is the downside of laminectomy?
As with any surgery, the risks of infection, sepsis, and severe bleeding may occur during or after open lumbar laminectomy surgery. It is advised to discuss the expected surgical outcome and the potential complications with the doctor.
How is a bilateral laminectomy performed?
A skin incision about 1 inch in length is made to one side of the middle of the back at the surgical level. Dilators are placed sequentially to split the muscle down to the lamina, the back part of the spine. A retractor is then placed to hold the muscle tissue back and allow surgical access to the spine.
What are the long term problems after a laminectomy?
Arthritis in the facets can cause persistent low back pain even after a successful laminectomy. Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone condition that causes weak and brittle bones. This condition may cause easy fractures and breakage of bony tissue and may be a risk for laminectomy patients.
