Laminectomy | IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics

For patients who suffer from debilitating symptoms caused by pressure being put on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, relief is possible with a laminectomy. Schedule a consultation today to see how the award-winning surgeons at IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics help patients overcome certain medical conditions with this spinal procedure.

WHAT IS A LAMINECTOMY?

Also known as decompression surgery, the laminectomy procedure creates space in the spinal canal by removing the lamina — the back part of a vertebra that covers the spinal canal. Laminectomy treatment may be the right solution to treat your spinal condition if conservative treatments have failed to work or muscle weakness and numbness make standing or walking difficult. The conditions a laminectomy can help treat include:

Bone Spurs

These bony overgrowths within the spinal canal can cause unwanted pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This pressure may cause severe pain, numbness, or weakness that can radiate down the arms or legs, making it hard to complete everyday tasks.

Herniated Discs

This spinal condition occurs when the cervical disc’s nucleus breaks or seeps through the outer core and forms a bulge, resulting in pressure being placed on the spinal cord or nerves and causing severe pain.

Spinal Stenosis

This medical condition refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which places unwanted pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots.

Tumors

If a tumor develops within the spinal canal or bones of the spine, it may affect the spinal cord and nerve roots, especially as it grows.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A LAMINECTOMY

To begin, the surgeon will make an incision on the patient’s back over the affected vertebrae. Then, the lamina is removed. If treating a herniated disc, surgeons will also remove the herniated portion of the disk and any pieces that have broken loose. In some cases, spinal fusion may be necessary to stabilize the patient’s spine if one or more vertebrae have slipped over another. This entails the surgeons permanently connecting two or more vertebrae using necessary metal rods and screws.

Recovery after laminectomy surgery typically depends on the fitness and level of activity prior to surgery. It typically takes four to six weeks until normal function is established. When spinal fusion is also done, it may take longer to recover. Once patients arrive home, it is crucial to keep the surgical incision area clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Depending on their job type and daily physical requirements, they may be able to return to work within a few weeks.

TREAT YOUR SPINAL CONDITION AT IGEA BRAIN, SPINE & ORTHOPEDICS

The award-winning neurosurgeons at IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics perform laminectomy procedures to treat patients suffering from debilitating symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. To learn more about this procedure and other treatments for spine disorders, contact us today at one of our offices in Paramus, Union, Hazlet, Florham Park, Jersey City, and Bedminster in New Jersey or New York.