Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Minimally Invasive Decompressive Lumbar Laminectomy

Lumbar Laminectomy

Decompressive lumbar laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat a condition referred to as lateral recess stenosis, which occurs when spinal nerves are pinched by narrowing of the sides of the spinal canal.

Symptoms:

Intense Pain
Numbness or weakness in one leg


This surgical procedure can also be used to treat lumbar canal stenosis, which occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrowed and the cauda equina becomes compressed. This condition has similar symptoms as lateral recess stenosis.

How is the procedure performed?

The patient is positioned on his or her stomach or side. A small incision is made in the lower back in order for the surgeon to see the pinched spinal nervew and/or the compressed cauda equina.

The surgeon then uses a retractor ot expose the vertebrae by spreading apart the muscles and fatty tissue of the spine. A small drill or bone biting instruments are used to remove a section of the vertebra. An opening is cut in the ligamentum flavum in order to reach the spinal canal.

The surgeon removes bone spurs and any rough edges on teh intervertebral disc. This enlarges the foramen and the spinal canal and helps relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

If necessary, the surgeon will perform a spinal fusion with instrumentation to help stabilize the spine. A spinal fusion involves grafting a small peice of bone (usually taken from the patient's hip) onto the spine and using spinal hardware, such as screws, rods, or other mateal implants, to support the spine and provide stability.

Source: www.celebrationspinecenter.com

Lumbar Laminectomy

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