LAMINOPLASTY

If you’ve experienced a serious spinal injury, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is Laminoplasty?

Over time, the vertebrae may develop problems such as bulging discs or fractures, bone spurs, arthritis, and age-related degenerative changes. These issues can narrow the vertebral canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and branching nerves, resulting in symptoms like pain, stiffness, and numbness in the affected area. While cervical vertebrae usually affected, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae can also be impacted, especially in the pediatric population. Surgeons perform this neuro-orthopedic decompression surgery performed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord resulting from neurodegenerative changes in the vertebrae. Cervical laminoplasty is the most commonly performed type.

Indications of Cervical Laminoplasty

Various conditions may necessitate spinal surgery, including spinal stenosis, which occurs when the spinal canal narrows, exerting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain and discomfort. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy involves degenerative changes in the cervical spine that compress the spinal cord, leading to weakness and coordination issues. Moreover, multilevel disk herniation refers to the protrusion of multiple intervertebral discs, exerting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. However, traumatic central cord syndrome results from injury to the cervical spinal cord, causing motor weakness and sensory loss, often following hyperextension injuries. Additionally, physicians may deem spinal cord surgery necessary to treat tumors and vascular malformations that can compress the spinal cord or nerves, resulting in neurological deficits.

How is the Surgery Performed?

The surgeon will give an incision on the back of the neck, exposing the vertebra. Two troughs will be made on the lamina of the spine by removing the outer layer of the bone. From here, the surgeon can either go with the Open or Double/French door technique. 

The surgeon will use one trough as a hinge in the open-door technique while cutting through the other trough. This will create a room, relieving pressure on the cord. Moreover, in the French door technique, surgeons will open the spinous processes of the vertebra using both troughs as hinges. This will ultimately relieve stress from the spinal cord. Typically, surgeons will open more than one arc of cervical vertebrae, which they subsequently close using bone graft material and metal plates. Afterwards, they will close the skin.

What to Expect During Laminoplasty

Before the surgery, you will be started on an I/V line which will administer the antiobotics. Medical personnel will administer general anesthesia, and breathing will be supported through a breathing tube.

Following the surgery, the breathing tube will be removed, and a cervical collar will be applied to immobilize the neck. You will need to wear the cervical collar for 2-3 days. Pain medication will be administered as necessary, and you will be discharged after 3-4 days.

If you have any questions for our Texas based orthopedic spine specialists, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.