
Cervical Laminoplasty is a procedure to take pressure off the spinal cord
in the neck and restore neurological function. Portions of the lamina,
the thin bony layer covering the spinal cord (also referred to as the
“roof” of the spinal cord), are removed to create more space
for the spinal cord and nerve roots.
The most common cause of cervical spinal cord compression is age-related degenerative arthritis, which may include bone spurs and disc herniation. Other conditions that may pinch the spinal cord in the neck include:
When a physician evaluates the need for surgery, the workup entails imaging studies, a physical exam, and usually a nerve conduction study. Surgery for the spinal cord compression helps relieve the symptoms and may lead to a reversal of the condition, or it may just stop the progression.
Cervical Laminoplasty is performed under general anesthesia with entry through the back of the neck. The patient will be lying face down, and typically spinal cord neuro-monitoring is used during surgery to monitor the spinal cord function.
In an “open door” laminoplasty, the surgeon will cut one side of the lamina in the area of compression and make a “hinge” on the other side. The roof of the spine is then gently lifted on the open side, hinging on the other side, to give the spinal cord and nerve roots room to breathe. A spacer and sometimes a metal plate are used to ensure the space stays open.
Most patients spend only one night in the hospital, and many go home the same day. A soft neck collar is usually worn for about 6 weeks after the surgery.
One of the significant advantages of laminoplasty, versus cervical fusion, is that it relieves pressure on the spinal cord while preserving range of motion in the neck. Complication rates are very low for this procedure, including a low chance of infection or anesthesia complications. Laminoplasty is noted to be a particularly excellent procedure for elderly patients with spinal cord compression, as it restores neurologic function well and stabilizes the spine.
Call (952) 225-5266 or contact us to request a free consultation with our neurosurgeon.
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