Decompressions

Decompression Surgeries

Spinal decompression surgery means a few different surgical procedures, which relieve symptoms caused by pressure and compression on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Spinal decompression surgery is a common operation for the treatment of pressure caused by spinal stenosis or pressure caused by a herniated disc.

There are different types of decompression surgery. The goal is always to take the pressure off the spine and nerves, but the methods vary depending on the patient’s needs and condition.

Laminectomy

Laminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina, a small part of the bony arches in the spinal canal that make up a vertebra in the spine. Laminectomy can also remove bone spurs in the spine.

The goal of spinal laminectomy surgery is to take pressure off the spinal cord or nerves. A laminectomy increases the size of the spinal canal, relieving the pressure caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis. Spinal nerves have more room after a laminectomy. Laminectomy is sometimes done in conjunction with a discectomy, foraminotomy or spinal fusion procedure.

Laminotomy

Similar to a laminectomy, but only a section of the lamina is removed. Most of the lamina is left intact.

Foraminotomy

Foraminotomy widens the opening where nerve roots travel out of the spine. The surgery involves enlarging and partially removing the foramin, or the opening in the spinal column where nerves pass through.