A laminectomy is a type of spinal surgery that involves removing a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina. The lamina is the back part of each vertebra that covers your spinal canal. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by various conditions, including spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or tumors.
During a laminectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the back, muscles are moved aside to expose the spine, and then part or all of the lamina is removed to create more space within the spinal canal. This helps to alleviate the pressure on the nerves and can significantly reduce pain or discomfort caused by nerve compression.
There are different types of laminectomy procedures:
Complete Laminectomy: Involves the removal of the entire lamina.
Partial Laminectomy: Only a portion of the lamina is removed.
Laminotomy: A small portion of the lamina is removed to relieve pressure without removing the entire lamina.
This procedure is often considered when non-surgical treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections have not provided adequate relief. A laminectomy can improve mobility and decrease pain for patients suffering from spinal nerve pressure. However, as with all surgeries, there are risks and potential complications, and it's important to discuss these with a healthcare provider to determine if this is the most suitable option.