Lumbar Laminectomy

Lumbar Laminectomy: Overview

This procedure is performed through an incision on the lower back. The surgeon removes a section of bone, called the lamina, from one or more vertebrae. This relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by stenosis (which is a narrowing of the spinal canal).

STEP 1

First, the surgeon removes the spinous process (the portion of the vertebra that protrudes furthest from the back of the spine). These are the bones that you feel when you touch the middle portion of your lower back.

STEP 2

The surgeon removes the lamina (the portion of the vertebra that covers the nerve roots and the spinal cord). Removing the damaged lamina opens up the spinal canal, taking pressure off the nerves.

STEP 3

There still may be some pinching from pressure within the area where the nerve root exits the spine, called the nerve foramina. The surgeon clears away any bone fragments that are pressing on the nerve roots.

END OF PROCEDURE

The spinal canal is now clear of any bone fragments, which relieves pressure from the nerve roots and spinal cord. The surgeon checks the nerve roots to make sure they are no longer being pinched.