Laminectomy
The mere presence of back pain can progressively grow worse and may also disable normal body movements depending on the specific cause. Here, the lumbar laminectomy procedure also known as an open decompression is performed to alleviate pain that is caused due to neural impingement resulting from lumbar spinal stenosis.
Primarily affecting elderly patients, spinal stenosis is because of degenerative changes that result in enlargement of facet joints. These enlarged joints place pressure on nerves that is then effectively relieved using laminectomy process. Under this process, we remove a small portion of bone over nerve root and/or disc material to provide nerve root more space and better healing environment. The process is generally used when more-conservative treatment like medication and physical therapy fails to provide relief symptoms or if symptoms are severe or is dramatically worsening.
With Laminectomy commonly performed on vertebrae in lower back and in neck, the pressure is caused by variety of problems that include:
· Bony overgrowths within spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
· Herniated disk
Back Pains that Can Lead to Laminectomy Surgery
With most common site of back pain being lower back, some of these that may require Laminectomy Surgery include:
· Back pain due to herniated disk (sciatica) that causes pain to radiate through buttocks into one/both legs
· Pressure on the nerve root that is caused by jellylike nucleus pushing through harder outer ring (annulus) as disk herniates
· Cauda equina syndrome where there is compression at point where roots of all spinal nerves are located
· Loss of bowel and bladder control due to losing all nerve function below area of compression that requires immediate decompression
Surgery
Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Tomar believes that surgery often produces gratifying relief in comparison to conservative medical treatment for herniated disc. Further, the surgery option may also be considered for patients with frequent recurring sciatica that interferes with their ability to work/do daily activities.
Process -
Lumbar laminectomy (open decompression) operation begins with a longer incision (two-inch to five -inch) made on the midline of back. This follows dissecting the left and right back muscles off the lamina on both sides as well as at multiple levels. After spine is approached, lamina is removed allowing visualization of nerve roots where facet joints directly over nerve roots are undercut (trimmed) so as to give nerve roots more room.
Post Surgery
Post laminectomy, patients remain in hospital for one to three days with individual patient's mobilization largely dependent on their pre-operative condition and their age. Patients are encouraged to walk directly following laminectomy procedure. However, doctors do recommend patients to avoid excessive bending, lifting or twisting for six weeks post surgery that helps in avoiding pull on the suture line before its healing.
The mere presence of back pain can progressively grow worse and may also disable normal body movements depending on the specific cause. Here, the lumbar laminectomy procedure also known as an open decompression is performed to alleviate pain that is caused due to neural impingement resulting from lumbar spinal stenosis.
Primarily affecting elderly patients, spinal stenosis is because of degenerative changes that result in enlargement of facet joints. These enlarged joints place pressure on nerves that is then effectively relieved using laminectomy process. Under this process, we remove a small portion of bone over nerve root and/or disc material to provide nerve root more space and better healing environment. The process is generally used when more-conservative treatment like medication and physical therapy fails to provide relief symptoms or if symptoms are severe or is dramatically worsening.
With Laminectomy commonly performed on vertebrae in lower back and in neck, the pressure is caused by variety of problems that include:
· Bony overgrowths within spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
· Herniated disk
Back Pains that Can Lead to Laminectomy Surgery
With most common site of back pain being lower back, some of these that may require Laminectomy Surgery include:
· Back pain due to herniated disk (sciatica) that causes pain to radiate through buttocks into one/both legs
· Pressure on the nerve root that is caused by jellylike nucleus pushing through harder outer ring (annulus) as disk herniates
· Cauda equina syndrome where there is compression at point where roots of all spinal nerves are located
· Loss of bowel and bladder control due to losing all nerve function below area of compression that requires immediate decompression
Surgery
Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Tomar believes that surgery often produces gratifying relief in comparison to conservative medical treatment for herniated disc. Further, the surgery option may also be considered for patients with frequent recurring sciatica that interferes with their ability to work/do daily activities.
Process -
Lumbar laminectomy (open decompression) operation begins with a longer incision (two-inch to five -inch) made on the midline of back. This follows dissecting the left and right back muscles off the lamina on both sides as well as at multiple levels. After spine is approached, lamina is removed allowing visualization of nerve roots where facet joints directly over nerve roots are undercut (trimmed) so as to give nerve roots more room.
Post Surgery
Post laminectomy, patients remain in hospital for one to three days with individual patient's mobilization largely dependent on their pre-operative condition and their age. Patients are encouraged to walk directly following laminectomy procedure. However, doctors do recommend patients to avoid excessive bending, lifting or twisting for six weeks post surgery that helps in avoiding pull on the suture line before its healing.