Treatment Overview
Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving spinal cord compression in the cervical spine. The laminectomy involves removing the lamina, the back part of the vertebra, to create more space for the spinal cord. Fusion stabilizes the spine post-decompression.
Causes
This surgery is often recommended for patients with cervical spinal stenosis, tumors, or severe arthritis causing significant spinal cord or nerve compression that leads to pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs.
Procedure Details
The surgeon makes an incision at the back of the neck (posterior approach) to access the spine. The lamina is removed to decompress the spinal cord, and spinal fusion is performed using bone grafts, rods, and screws to stabilize the spine and promote healing.
Benefits
Benefits of this procedure include the alleviation of pain and neurological symptoms, prevention of further spinal cord damage, and stabilization of the cervical spine. It is particularly effective in restoring quality of life for patients with severe spinal compression.
Medical Terms
- Laminectomy: Surgical removal of the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to nerve or spinal cord compression.
- Fusion: The surgical joining of two or more vertebrae into a single, stable unit.