Laminotomy Surgery in Plano, TX

What Is the Spinal Lamina?

The lamina protects and supports the spinal cord and spinal nerves. It is a part of a vertebra that forms the back wall of the spinal canal. Sometimes, due to conditions like bone spurs or lumbar spinal stenosis, the lamina can press against spinal nerves, causing severe pain or worsening symptoms. Removing a portion of the lamina can relieve pressure and help you feel better.

What Is a Laminotomy?

A laminotomy is a surgical procedure that treats or manages spinal conditions by removing a small section of the lamina to relieve pressure on irritated or compressed nerves. This minimally invasive surgery effectively manages pain caused by bone spurs and other factors without compromising the stability of the spinal bone. 

By allowing the spinal canal more space, a laminotomy reduces pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, enabling patients to report significant pain relief and improve their overall quality of life.

Laminotomy vs Laminectomy

Both laminotomy and laminectomy aim to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. The key difference is the amount of lamina removed. A laminectomy removes the entire lamina, while a laminotomy only removes a part of it. Removing the entire lamina can lead to instability in the spine, so a laminotomy is often preferred to preserve more of the spinal bone structure.

Types of Laminotomy

There are several types of laminotomy that treat or manage different spinal conditions effectively:

• Lumbar Laminotomy (lower back)
• Cervical Laminotomy (neck)
• Thoracic Laminotomy (upper and mid-back)
• Bilateral Laminotomy (remove sections of the lamina on both sides of the vertebra)
• Unilateral Laminotomy (targets only one side of the vertebra)
• Minimally Invasive Laminotomy

Each type is tailored to address specific areas of the spine, ensuring optimal relief from pain and improved spinal function.

Lumbar Laminotomy

A lumbar laminotomy focuses on the lower back area, addressing issues like lumbar spinal stenosis. This condition narrows the spinal canal in the lower back, leading to leg pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. By removing part of the lamina, this lumbar revision surgery relieves pressure on the spinal nerves, helping you move and enjoy everyday activities without pain.

What Conditions Can Laminotomy Surgery Treat?

Laminotomy treats compressed nerves caused by various spinal conditions, including:

• Spinal stenosis
• Bone spurs
• Herniated discs
• Nerve root compression

By addressing these conditions, the surgery relieves pain caused by a compressed spinal cord or nerves. It helps manage pain or discomfort, allowing you to return to normal activities.

Laminotomy Surgery in Plano, TX

At the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we specialize in laminotomy surgery to help relieve pain and improve your quality of life. Our minimally invasive surgery helps relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves with less recovery time compared to traditional surgery. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care to meet your needs.

Laminotomy Procedure

Prior to your procedure, the surgeon will thoroughly explain what happens during a laminotomy spine surgery and what to expect afterward. During the surgical procedure, you’ll receive anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel pain. A small incision is made in the skin near the affected lamina.

The surgeon removes a portion of the lamina using specialized tools to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. The incision site is then closed, and you’ll be monitored as you wake up. The procedure relieves pressure, helping to eliminate pain and symptoms caused by compressed nerves.

Laminotomy Recovery

The road to recovery after spine surgery varies, but most people notice significant relief shortly after surgery. It’s common to experience some pain after a laminotomy. Your physician will most likely prescribe medications to manage pain or discomfort. Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen your back and improve mobility, helping you move and enjoy everyday activities sooner.

While complications are rare, one potential risk is a spinal fluid leak. If you notice complications or signs of a leak like a severe headache, neck pain or stiffness, or nausea contact physician immediately. It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions, and avoid stopping any medications unless your healthcare provider says otherwise.

Laminotomy Success Rate

The success rate of a laminotomy is high. Most patients return home shortly after surgery and report significant pain relief after the procedure. While there are some risks of a laminotomy, such as nerve damage or a spinal fluid leak, these risks are generally minimal compared to more extensive spinal surgeries.

Most patients experience improved mobility a short time after a laminotomy, making it a reliable option for managing back pain and spinal conditions.

When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider About Back Pain?

If severe pain or worsening symptoms happen after a laminotomy procedure, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Signs such as numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder and bowel management may indicate nerve damage. Early intervention can prevent complications and promote a smoother recovery after your surgical procedure.

Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Laminotomy Surgery in Plano, TX