Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a spinal decompression procedure that creates an open “window” in the roof of the spinal canal to allow for removal of material that is pressing on the spinal cord and provide additional room within the canal. This procedure can be performed using a minimally invasive approach that avoids harm to surrounding muscle tissue and allows for a quicker healing process. In cases where an entire disk must be removed, the laminectomy may need to be combined with a spinal fusion procedure in order to appropriately stabilize the spine. Patients suffering pain from spinal stenosis caused by a herniated disk or bone spurs may be good candidates for this procedure.