Spinal Decompression Surgery

Spinal decompression can be performed anywhere along the spine from the neck (cervical) to the lower back (lumbar). The surgery is performed through an incision in the back (posterior) muscles. The lamina bone forms the backside of the spinal canal and makes a roof over the spinal cord. Removing the lamina and thickened ligament gives more room for the nerves and allows for removal of bone spurs (osteophytes). Depending on the extent of stenosis, one vertebra (single-level) or more (multi-level) may be involved.

There are several types of decompression surgery:

• Laminectomy is the removal of the entire bony lamina, a portion of the enlarged facet joints, and the thickened ligaments overlying the spinal cord and nerves.
• Laminotomy is the removal of a small portion of the lamina and ligaments, usually on one side. Using this method the natural support of the lamina is left in place, decreasing the chance of spinal instability. Sometimes an endoscope may be used, allowing for a smaller, less invasive incision.
• Foraminotomy is the removal of bone around the neural foramen - the canal where the nerve root exits the spine. This method is used when disc degeneration has caused the height of the foramen to collapse and pinch a nerve.
• Laminaplasty is the expansion of the spinal canal by cutting the laminae on one side and swinging them open like a door. It is used only in the neck (cervical) area.
• Discectomy is the removal of a portion of a bulging or degenerative disc to relieve pressure on the nerves.