Decompression Lamina Surgery
A laminectomy is the most aggressive of three possible procedures that may be performed to remove pressure on nerves on the backside of your spinal canal. In this procedure, the entire lamina (an arched bone covering the spinal canal) is removed to alleviate pressure on these spinal nerves.
While this procedure is complex, it is commonly performed. Dr. Robert S. Biscup has been a practicing orthopedic surgeon for 35 years and is an expert on spinal surgeries. He has the skills necessary to perform this advanced treatment with extreme precision. He also has enough experience to know when a patient’s condition warrants this procedure.
Do I Need a Laminectomy?
If you have been told you need a laminectomy, it is strongly recommended that you receive a second opinion before agreeing to this invasive procedure. It should only be used as a last resort for back pain because it is so extreme. It is also suggested to ensure that your surgeon is familiar enough with the procedure to perform it correctly.
Laminectomies should only be performed for severe cases of the following conditions:
- Spinal stenosis
- Failed back surgery
- Spinal fractures
- Tumors
- Large herniated discs
- Spondylolisthesis and other complex conditions
Laminectomies are often part of spinal fusion surgery. Removing the lamina allows the surgeon a better view of the spinal canal, allowing them to implant screws and rods with greater accuracy.
