CERVICAL LAMINECTOMY AND FUSION

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the lamina, the back portion of the vertebral body that covers the spinal cord. Removal of this piece gives the spinal canal more room and relieves the pressure from the spinal cord and nerves. The hole through which the nerve passes can be enlarged to further relieve pressure. Sometimes, a piece of bone (bone graft), metal cage, or screws may be used to strengthen the area that was decompressed. Laminectomy is usually recommended for patients who have not received much relief from conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy or for patients who have severe symptoms from nerve compression. Patients usually require physical therapy to optimize spinal mobility after spine surgery. Results are variable depending on the disease treated.