Is a Laminectomy Minimally Invasive?

Yes! About Minimally Invasive Laminectomy

Laminectomy is one of the most common spine surgeries. Although laminectomies have been performed as open incision procedures for a very long time, most laminectomies are now performed minimally invasively. A much smaller incision is used, less surgical trauma occurs, and recovery time is shortened. The purpose of the procedure is to remove the back part of a vertebra or lamina and decompress a pinched nerve or nerves.

A minimally invasive laminectomy is performed under general anesthesia. Steps used to perform the procedure are:

• A small incision is made over affected vertebrae
• Small instruments are used to remove the lamina
• Portions of the damaged intervertebral disc and/or arthritic bone are removed
• Sutures and adhesive strips are used to close the incision

Some procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis while others may require an overnight hospital stay. Symptoms usually improve quickly after the procedure because the spinal canal is wider and nerves are decompressed. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine specialists perform minimally invasive laminectomies.

What Conditions Does Minimally Invasive Lumbar Laminectomy Treat?

Osteoarthritis causes vertebral bones and soft tissues to become inflamed and irritated. Bone spurs are osteoarthritis caused by bone growths that narrow the spinal canal and compress the spinal cord. Symptoms include:

• Extremity pain
• Numbness
• Spine pain
• Weakness

Minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy is indicated to treat severe vertebral osteoarthritis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment options like medications, activity modification, physical therapy, and injections. If you are experiencing symptoms and would like relief as quickly as possible, please contact us to make an appointment.