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• Laminectomy

Laminectomy

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to open up space in the spinal canal and help alleviate the symptoms associated with an impinged or irritated nerve root or spinal cord. Each vertebra contains two laminae, which are bony segments that help form the arch across the back of the vertebra.

During a laminectomy, the laminae are either reduced in size or removed altogether. This is done either to remove pressure from nerve roots (decompression) or to allow a surgeon access to the affected nerve root. It also can be used to help correct the contour of the spine in, for example, scoliosis patients. Typically an open back surgery performed in a hospital, a laminectomy includes removal of the entire vertebral arch, along with overlying muscles, tissues, and tendons. Spinal fusion is also sometimes necessary after a laminectomy to add stability to the spine. Hemilaminectomy, on the other hand, involves the removal only of one or the other lamina.

Conventional laminectomy is often a massively invasive back surgery that involves a long hospital stay and a long recovery period. Among the conditions treated with this surgery are are:

• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Ankylosing spondylitis

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For many patients with any of these conditions, there is another option: minimally invasive, laser-assisted procedures like those performed at Laser Spine Institute. Instead of an open back surgery like laminectomy, the award-winning surgeons perform an, endoscopic procedure known as laminotomy which achieves the same goals as laminectomy without the accompanying disruption – or even removal – of the bone and other tissue associated with the impinged or irritated nerve root. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn more about a gentle, endoscopic alternative to conventional back surgery. We’ll also review your MRI or CT scan for free.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.