Laminoplasty for Cervical Back Pain

Back pain due to spinal problems may affect any of the four regions of the spine. Depending upon the region and depending on the type of problem afflicting the spinal column, different type of surgeries can be performed. One such type of spinal surgery is Laminoplasty and it is performed when the spinal problem lies in the neck of the patient (the top part of the spine).

The Problem
In the case under study the main problem afflicting a person is spinal stenosis. However, in this case the problem is localized in the cervical region of the spine (located beneath the skull, or around the neck). Depending upon the intensity, response to pain relief medication and the period of pain, Laminoplasty surgery is recommended.

The Surgery

Spinal stenosis is characterized by a steady build up of pressure on the spinal canal. Increased pressure on the spinal canal "pinches" the spinal nerves which are housed inside. When the amount of pressure is great, it can result in severe and persistent back pain. Laminoplasty is done with the specific objective of lowering or relieving this pressure off the spinal canal.

Laminoplasty surgery is performed under either general or local anesthesia. Surgeons first sterilize the target area behind the neck and then pad it up for making incisions. The cuts/incisions made in the body are really small (barely two inches long). They reveal the underlying network of muscles and nerves which are then pulled aside with the help of retractor.

Once the muscles and nerves surrounding the affected vertebrae have been pulled aside to reveal the spinal canal and the lamina, surgeons set out on the task of cutting this lamina on one side while simply making a groove on the other side of the same lamina. The flap of bone then swings open, thereby reducing the amount of pressure on the spinal canal.

Once the lamina bone has been swung open, surgeons prop it up with the help of wedges or small pieces of bone. The benefit of such propping is that the widening of the spinal canal would remain in place for a very long time. Once this is done, the wound is sterilized and sealed with embedded stitches or with sterilized tapes. The patient is then brought out from the influence of anesthesia. Within a day or two he/she is fit to leave the hospital premise.

Laminoplasty vs. Vertebral Laminectomy-The Difference
Though the end objective of both Laminoplasty and Vertebral Laminectomy is the same, i.e. to relieve pressure off the spinal canal, the two surgeries are different in terms of the amount of bone and muscle tissue that has to be removed, displaced, or dissected in the procedure.