Treatment Overview
Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to decompress the spinal cord by reshaping and repositioning the lamina (a part of the vertebrae) rather than removing it. This technique preserves the spinal structure while providing relief from spinal cord compression.
Causes
Laminoplasty is commonly indicated for patients with cervical myelopathy due to spinal stenosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), or other conditions that cause spinal cord compression without significant instability.
Procedure Details
In a laminoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision at the back of the neck and carefully “opens” the lamina, creating more space for the spinal cord. A small metal plate or graft may be used to hold the lamina in its new position, allowing for decompression while maintaining spinal integrity.
Benefits
Laminoplasty offers several benefits, including relief from pain and neurological symptoms, preservation of spinal mobility, and a lower risk of post-surgical spinal instability. It is particularly advantageous for patients who need decompression without losing spinal function.
Medical Terms
- Laminoplasty: Surgical reconstruction of the lamina to relieve spinal cord pressure.
- Myelopathy: Dysfunction of the spinal cord often caused by compression.
- OPLL: A condition where the ligament along the back of the spine becomes hardened and compresses the spinal cord.