Posterior Cervical Laminectomy

Cervical stenosis can place pressure on the spinal cord. If most of the compression is in the back, the cervical stenosis can be treated with a posterior cervical laminectomy. The objective of this procedure is to remove the lamina (and spinous process) to give the spinal cord more room.

What Occurs during Posterior Cervical Laminectomy?

The general procedure for a cervical laminectomy includes the following:

Surgical approach.

• The skin incision is in the midline of the back of the neck and is about 3 to 4 inches long.

Removal of the lamina

• A high speed burr can be used to make a trough in the lamina on both sides right before it joins the facet joint.
• The lamina with the spinous process can then be removed as one piece (like a lobster tail).
• Removal of the lamina and spinous process allows the spinal cord to float backwards and gives it more room.

The Procedure

A cervical posterior foraminotomy is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. With the patient lying face down on the operating table, the surgeon makes an incision in the back of the neck. Muscles, ligaments and other tissues in the area are retracted to provide a view of the spine. The bone at the affected site is shaved down or cut back slightly to enlarge the size of the foramen and provide more room for the nerve roots to pass through.