Laminectomies are used to treat the most common indication for spinal surgery, namely spinal stenosis. Second opinions are essential in determining whether a laminectomy is sufficient or if further surgery may be needed.
The lamina is the posterior arch of the vertebral bone lying between the prominent spinous processes that run down the center of the spine. Although the literal meaning of laminectomy is “excision of the lamina”, a conventional laminectomy involves excision of the posterior spinal ligament and some or all of the spinous process in addition to the lamina. Laminectomies can be performed with an open technique or in a minimally invasive manner. Laminectomies can also be performed in conjunction with a spinal fusion or by themselves.
Second opinions can be very helpful to see whether or not a fusion is truly indicated in addition to the laminectomy or whether the laminectomy by itself may suffice to take care of the problem. Laminectomies are used to treat the most common indication for spinal surgery, namely spinal stenosis.