Additional Surgeries

Laminoplasty is another type of spinal surgery used to “decompress” or lessen pressure surrounding the spinal canal and nerve structures. Laminoplasty is a surgical procedure where a portion of the lamina bone is carefully cut all the way through. By carefully cutting through one aspect of the lamina, it is similar to opening a door to create more space around the spinal canal. The surgeon will examine the spinal canal and remove any surrounding debris that may be causing pressure on spinal structures. During a laminoplasty a hinge is created on one side of the lamina and the other is kept open with either a bone strut or small metallic plate placed there by the surgeon. This procedure is commonly performed in the cervical spine and patients often present with issues of pain, weakness, numbness or possibly symptoms of myelopathy which include difficulty with balance, bowel or bladder function, and/or dexterity.  This procedure is often performed for those with diagnoses such as spinal stenosis.

Laminectomy is a very common spinal procedure in which the lamina bone is removed. As we live our life and use our spine, the discs which are the soft tissue structures of our spine often will start to degenerate and other structures become arthritic and enlarged both putting pressure on surrounding spinal structures. The goal of a laminectomy is to relieve this pressure on the spinal cord or surrounding nerves. A laminectomy can be done in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine however the lumbar is the most common location. Often patients that are candidates for this procedure have symptoms of pain, stiffness, numbness, burning/tingling sensation, trouble with coordination, or radiating pain into the arms or legs.