Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a type of back surgery that removes the lamina, or back portion of the vertebrae. This helps to expand the spinal canal and alleviates neural pressure and irritation.

Many people experience back pain as a result of degenerative changes to the spine, like arthritis or spinal stenosis. For these people, a laminectomy can provide relief from chronic and acute episodes of pain.

IS A LAMINECTOMY RIGHT FOR ME?

The laminectomy procedure is often performed on patients who have bone spurs, usually as a result of arthritis of the spine.

At California Spine & Pain Institute, the laminectomy procedure is used if more conservative approaches like physical therapy, cortisone injections or medication have failed to provide pain relief, or when one of our patient’s symptoms worsen.

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you might consult with us about a laminectomy:

Arm and leg pain or weakness
Loss of bowel or bladder control

Dr. Magued Fadly may use laminectomy alongside other treatments for herniated discs in order to provide space in the area of herniation and alleviate painful pressure on the nerve.

Performed under general anesthesia, the laminectomy procedure starts with Dr. Magued Fadly making a small incision. Only the lamina is removed, unless a herniated disc is involved in the patient’s procedure, in which case that portion of the disc and any bone fragments are also removed.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A LAMINECTOMY

At California Spine & Pain Institute, laminectomy surgeries can be performed as an outpatient procedure, which means our patients are able to go home later in the day. Recovery can involve physical therapy, and pain medication may also be prescribed.

For the few weeks following, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity so that your spine is able to heal correctly. Surgeries that also involve spinal fusion generally involve longer recovery times, sometimes up to several months after the fusion procedure is performed.

As with all surgeries, there is risk involved, regardless of how minimally invasive the treatment may be. You should discuss treatment options with Dr. Magued Fadly if you are experiencing any kind of back pain or if your condition worsens.