Laminectomy – Definition and Conditions Used to Treat

A laminectomy is an operation performed on the spine in order to remove the lamina (the part of a vertebra that helps create the vertebral arch around the spinal cord) and create more space in the spinal canal. Several spinal conditions can affect the laminae and cause them to develop bone spurs that can enter into the spinal canal, sometimes impinging nerves. Other spinal elements, including muscles and tendons, are sometimes removed in addition to the lamina itself.

Conditions Treated with Laminectomy

A laminectomy can be used to treat any number of spinal conditions that affect the laminae or other parts of the spine. These conditions may include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Osteoarthritis
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylitis

When these conditions affect the spine, nerve impingement or damage is also usually involved. This can cause patients to experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, weakness, cramping, tingling and numbness. These symptoms may be experienced in the neck or back, arms, legs or torso, depending on the location of the affected vertebra or intervertebral disc.

Many of the conditions affecting the laminae can be treated through other means that are typically less invasive than a laminectomy. Laser Spine Institute offers safe and effective endoscopic procedures that are performed on an outpatient basis and allow many patients to return to their normal activities in about two weeks. Contact Laser Spine Institute for more information about our procedures and to schedule a complimentary MRI or CT scan review.