Ask the Expert

Get answers to your Spine related questions.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Please install flash player to see this video.

Laminectomy - Overview

Alternative Names

Lumbar decompression; Decompressive laminectomy; Spine surgery - laminectomy

Definition of Laminectomy:

Laminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina, two small bones that make up a vertebra, or bone spurs in your back. The procedure can take pressure off your spinal nerves or spinal column.

Description:

Laminectomy opens up your spinal canal so your spinal nerves have more room. It is usually done along with a diskectomy, foraminotomy, and spinal fusion. You will be asleep and feel no pain (general anesthesia).

You will lie face down on the operating table. The surgeon will make an incision (cut) in the middle of your back or neck.
The skin, muscles, and ligaments are moved to the side. Your surgeon may use a surgical microscope to see inside your back.
Part or all of the lamina bones may be removed on both sides of your spine, along with the spinous process, the sharp part of your spine.
Your surgeon will remove any small disk fragments, bone spurs, or other soft tissue.
The surgeon may also do a foraminotomy (to widen the opening where nerve roots travel out of the spine) at this time.
Your surgeon may do a spinal fusion to make sure your spinal column is stable after surgery.
Surgery takes 1 to 3 hours.

Reviewed last on: 3/4/2009
C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Curlee PM. Other disorders of the spine. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 41.

Weinstein JN, Tosteson TD, Lurie JD, et al. Surgical versus nonsurgical therapy for lumbar spinal stenosis. N Engl J Med. 2008;358:794-810.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)