Laminectomy

The surgical removal of the lamina (the back of the spinal canal) and spurs inside the canal that are pressing on nerves within the canal. The procedure is a major surgery requiring a large incision and a hospital stay.

About Laminectomy

Laminectomy/diskectomy for herniated disks:

In this operation, part of the lamina, a portion of the bone on the back of the vertebrae, is removed, as well as a portion of a ligament. The herniated disk is then removed through the incision, which may extend two or more inches.

Laminectomy for spinal stenosis:

When narrowing of the spine compresses the nerve roots, causing pain or affecting sensation, doctors sometimes open up the spinal column with a procedure called a laminectomy. In a laminectomy, the doctor makes a large incision down the affected area of the spine and removes the lamina and any bone spurs, which are overgrowths of bone that may have formed in the spinal canal as the result of osteoarthritis.

The procedure is major surgery that requires a short hospital stay and physical therapy afterwards to help regain strength and mobility. NIH – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases