Thoracic Laminectomy

A laminotomy surgery requires a incision in your middle to upper back, thoracic spine.

A surgical approach is performed in the upper back to expose the lamina the part of the vertebral bones that encloses the posterior (back) of spinal canal. The number of vertebral bones that are addressed in surgery depends on how extensive the compression of the cord is. Once surgical access is achieved to the area a spine surgeon removes a portion of the spinous process and lamina bone of the vertebral bodies (or entire lamina depending on the cause of the narrowing) to eliminate pressure or obstruction near on pressing the spinal cord. There are various degrees and types of Laminectomy that is a total removal of the lamina of some portion of the spine to eliminate pressure on the spinal cord; a laminotomy is the partial removal of the lamina. The open canal allows for more space for the spinal cord and nerve roots. The surgeon then adds instrumentation (rods and screws) to support and stabilize the vertebrae (s) where the lamina bone was removed.