CERVICAL LAMINECTOMY AND FUSION
What is a Cervical Laminectomy?
One of the most commonly performed spinal procedures, a posterior cervical laminectomy is performed to remove the lamina, from a posterior approach, in order to provide the spinal cord more room and reduce any compression of the spinal cord.
In some cases, where there is less compression of the spine, another procedure known as a Laminoplasty may be used. In this procedure, rather than removing the lamina entirely, it is wedged open and a hinge is created at the other end to provide somewhat of an opening. But when the compression is too great, a laminectomy must be performed, and the entire lamina must be removed.
The Cervical Laminoplasty Procedure
A Cervical Laminectomy is performed using the following steps:
- An incision is first made in the midpoint of the backside of the neck, as we enter using a posterior approach. The spinal area muscles are then elevated in order to gain a better access to the spinal column area.
- Once we reach the area, and have access to the lamina, we make two deep cuts at either end. At the meeting point of the lamina and the facet joints of the vertebrae. This allows the lamina to be removed in one piece.
- Once the lamina is removed, the spinal cord now has more room to move freely, and any compression is greatly reduced.
