The spine is made up of vertebra which are stacked over one another and separated by an intervertebral disc and supported by ligaments and muscle to give support and flexibility to the joint. Each vertebra is a complex structure which serves as a protective covering enclosing the spinal cord and the spinal nerves exit the spinal cord via the neuroforamen. The posterior aspect of the vertebrae has a bony lamina on both the sides which acts as a cover for the spinal canal. Advancing age, degenerative diseases like arthritis, congenital abnormalities of the spine can cause the thickening of this lamina and also growth of bony spurs which impinge on the nerves exiting the canal and thereby causing pain and discomfort.
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure where the lamina of the vertebra is removed along with any bony overgrowths or irregularities, thereby relieving the pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves.
To understand the procedure of Laminectomy it is essential to get an insight into the basic structure of a vertebra.
The spine also known as the back bone of human body is made up of 33 specialized bones called as the vertebrae which are piled over one another separated by intervertebral discs which as a cushion between the two vertebrae. The vertebrae are divided according to their location as the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae. The shape of the cervical vertebrae is slightly different than the rest as they bear the weight of the skull.
The vertebrae have a bony structure which covers the spinal cord from the posterior aspect which is called as the “Vertebral Lamina”. The lamina overgrows or becomes uneven as the age advances or in certain pathological conditions which puts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves leaving the spinal cord in turn causing pain which radiates to the neck, back and thighs.
What are the indications for laminectomy surgery ?
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure where partial or the complete lamina of the vertebrae is removed to give more space for the spinal cord and the spinal nerves as they exit the vertebrae. Laminectomy can be considered as a treatment modality for chronic back pain which is not relieved by conservative treatment like physical therapy and change in pain medication. The conditions that can be a cause for chronic back pain are mentioned below.
- Aging
- Spinal Stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
- Degenerative diseases of the spine ( Arthritis)
- Congenital deformity of the spine
- Herniated disc
- Tumors in the spine
- Trauma
If you are suffering with chronic back pain, numbness in the region of the neck and back, weakness of the muscles of the back it is recommended to consult a spine specialist or a surgeon who specializes in neck and back who can conduct a thorough clinical examination supported by CT and MRI scan to depict the situation of the spine and suggest an appropriate treatment. The decision of getting a Laminectomy done is dependent on the patient who has understood the pros and cons of the surgical procedure thoroughly with the help of a specialist.
How is laminectomy surgery performed ?
As mentioned above Laminectomy is a surgical procedure where the lamina part of the vertebra is shaved to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and the spinal nerves. Laminectomy is usually performed either on the cervical or the lumbar vertebrae. The procedure is carried out after the administration of general anesthesia. The patient is asked to lie in face down position and an incision is made on the midline of the back at the surgical site. The ligament and muscles are removed to expose the lamina which is either removed completely (in Laminectomy) or partially reshaped ( as in Laminotomy ) to give more room to the spinal cord and the nerves. The length of the procedure is dependent on the number of vertebrae which are affected with overgrowth of the lamina.
What is the post-surgical care for laminectomy surgery ?
After the surgical procedure the patient is transferred to the recovery room and pain relieving medications are administered. Movement of the surgical site is restricted until suggested by the operating surgeon to prevent post operative complications. In cases of cervical Laminectomy a soft collar can be used around the neck to support the surgical site and aid in healing. The consulting surgeon along with a physical therapist guides the patient how to initiate movement at the surgical site. It is advisable not to do any strenuous activities or lift heavy weights and bend abruptly after the procedure as it may lead to post surgical complications and delayed healing.
What is the outcome of laminectomy surgery ?
If all the conservative treatments for chronic back pain caused due to spinal stenosis fail to provide adequate relief to the patient, Laminectomy can be considered as treatment of choice after consultation with a specialist. Though Laminectomy cannot halt the progressive stenosis it can provide relief for the existing chronic back pain. Post operative surgical care and physical therapy plays a functional role in the success of a Laminectomy procedure.
How to find spine surgeons for laminectomy surgery ?
Now you can find spine surgeons for laminectomy surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple spine surgeons, cost estimates for laminectomy surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a spine surgeon for laminectomy surgery.
Find and choose a spine surgeon for laminectomy surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
