Cervical Spine · Posterior Decompression · Stenosis
Cervical Laminectomy
A surgical procedure performed from the back of the neck to remove the bony "roof" (lamina) of the spinal canal, creating vital space for a compressed spinal cord.
Why It Is Done
Laminectomy is primarily used to treat Cervical Spinal Stenosis or Myelopathy when conservative measures fail to manage symptoms such as:
Numbness, tingling, or persistent weakness in the hands and legs.
Balance issues, coordination problems, or loss of fine motor skills.
Severe, sharp pain traveling from the neck down the arms or shoulders.
The primary objective is to stop the progression of neurological damage by removing the bone spurs, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments causing pressure.
The Procedure: Steps & Instrumentation
Performed under general anesthesia with the patient in the prone (face-down) position.
- 1
Incision: A vertical midline incision is made along the back of the neck.
- 2
Bone Removal: The spinous process and the lamina (the bony arches) are removed to open the canal.
- 3
Decompression: Soft tissue and bone spurs pressing on the spinal cord are cleared away.
- 4
Stabilization: Often, rods and lateral mass screws are added to fuse the vertebrae and prevent instability (kyphosis).
Recovery & Restrictions
| Timeline | Recovery Milestones |
|---|---|
| In Hospital | 1–3 day stay. Early walking is encouraged to prevent blood clots. |
| Weeks 1–6 | "No BLT" rule in effect. Initial healing phase. Cervical collar often required. |
| Months 3–6 | Bone fusion (if performed) solidifies. Physical therapy to regain strength. |
For the first 6 weeks, you must strictly avoid: Bending the neck sharply, Lifting over 2–5 kg, and Twisting the spine.
Success Rate & Risks
While results vary, the vast majority of patients experience significant improvement in neurological function.
Success Rate: 80% to 90% of patients report relief from radicular arm pain.
Potential Risks: Infection, nerve root injury, or Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak.
Long-term Outlook: Most patients return to full activity after 6 months, provided fusion is successful.
