Patient Information Resources


Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.
763 Larkfield Road
2nd Floor
Commack, NY 11725
Ph: (631) 462-2225
Fax: (631) 462-2240






Child Orthopedics
General
Pain Management
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

« Back

Years ago I had a lumbar laminectomy because of a disc bulge pressing on the nerves. Now I'm supposed to have a foraminotomy for the same problem in my neck. Don't they do laminectomies for the neck area? Why not?

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure for relieving pressure on the spinal cord. The lamina is an arch of bone that forms a circle around the spinal cord. During a laminectomy, the lamina is removed or trimmed to widen the spinal canal. This creates more space for the spinal nerves.

Foraminotomy is another operation used to relieve pressure on nerves. In this case, the nerves are being compressed or pinched by the intervertebral foramina. The foramina is an opening in the bone through which the spinal nerves pass to leave the spinal cord and travel to other parts of the body.

Instead of cutting out a large segment of bone (like in the laminectomy), the opening is just made larger during a foraminotomy. This allows more space for the nerve without loss of motion or stability in the spine.

The lumbar vertebrae are much larger and stronger than the cervical bones. A laminectomy in the lumbar spine usually doesn't result in an unstable segment. Removal of the lamina in the cervical spine must be accompanied by fusion afterwards or problems can develop with instability and collapse.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.