Introduction
The lamina is the behind part of a vertebra that covers the spinal canal. A laminectomy is a surgery in which a part or all of the vertebral lamina is removed to decompress a nerve or a spinal cord. Conditions like spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal becomes narrow and compresses nerves, or herniated discs, can cause pain, weakness, and numbness.
This surgery aims to create more space for the nerves. This helps reduce pain and improves its function. It may also be performed in cases of tumors, infections, or bone spurs. Recovery lasts over a few weeks of rest and physiotherapy to regain strength and mobility.
Why is it performed?
A laminectomy is mostly performed to alleviate the consequences of spinal stenosis. Your spinal column narrows with this condition, placing pressure on your nerves or spinal cord. A congenital problem such as aberrant growth of the spine, a tumor in the spine, a traumatic injury, a herniated or slipped disc, arthritis of the spine, and shrinking of the spine’s discs and swelling of the bones and ligaments can all result in spinal stenosis.
How is it performed?
Your surgeon will make a little incision in the middle of your neck or back during the procedure. To have a better picture, they will then move your ligaments, muscles, and skin to the side. Your spine’s lamina bones may be removed whole or in part. Small disk fragments or bone spurs are also eliminated. After the incision is stitched up, sterile bandages are used. In order to properly stabilize the spine, your surgeon might also do a spinal fusion during the procedure, which involves joining two or more bones in the back.
Possible complications
The general risks of this surgery include-
- Failed treatment for spinal nerve injury, which may result in postoperative pain that doesn’t go away
- Recurrence of back discomfort, especially with spinal fusion
- An infection in the spinal bones or surgery site