Cervical Laminectomy is a procedure for curing a physical condition known as Spinal Stenosis, in which, there is a narrowing of the spinal canal due to a compression of the spinal cord and the nerve roots. Some reasons for the narrowing of the spinal cord could be bone spurs, degeneration of the intervertebral disks as well as the facet joints, thickening of the ligaments etc. The symptoms include pain in the neck, numb fingers and clumsy hands, imbalance in walking – among others – and these symptoms lead to a stress or pressure on the spinal cord, and can be quite painful, not to mention uncomfortable too!
Removing the lamina is the main objective of a Cervical Laminectomy, thereby allowing for more space in the spinal cord and also to stop further deterioration in the future. Consisting of two stages namely, the surgical approach and the removal of the lamina, people have felt marked improvements in their hand functions, walking abilities, movements of their spinal cords when they opt for a surgical treatment in Cervical Laminectomy.
Cervical Laminectomy should be undertaken only for people with a progressive muscular weakness, those affected by loss of sensation and walking difficulties and people with tumors both inside and outside the spinal cord as also those with a trauma to the cervical spine. Congenital Stenosis, that occurs right from a person’s birth can also be cured with the help of Cervical Laminectomy.
Cervical Laminectomy and Cervical Laminoplasty are the two procedures that are very popular among patients all over the world. In the former, the surgery involves removal of the lamina and spinuous processes are removed for exposing the dura that covers the spinal cord while in the latter, the lamina are lifted off the dura, but not removed completely. A surgeon may also monitor the transmission of the impulses by the spinal cord through the use of a burr by cutting through the lamina at the junctures, and then proceeding to cut the inner surface of the spinal cord and ultimately remove the lamina that is present inside.
The muscles, fascia and skin are all brought together in layers and bleeding is also under intense scrutiny by the surgeons to prevent complications like excess bleeding, bending of the cervical spine, injury to nerve roots, bacterial infections, leakage of fluids that surround the cord and an unstable spine etc.
Generally done on the back of the spine, Cervical Laminectomy may also be done in the front in case of patients suffering from severe obesity problems.
Improving the strength of the spinal cord is the main objective of Cervical Laminectomy and opting for one can greatly help in preventing the occurrence of the same problem in the future and help a person to feel and walk better, be relieved of the aching pains in the back and help them in easier mobility of the back when bending or stretching or going about the household chores.
Compressions in the spinal cord can also occur due to some physical factors like sitting down for long hours, lifting heavy loads continuously, improper postures, lack of proper exercise etc and opting for a Cervical Laminectomy can definitely help in curing Spinal Stenosis to a great extent!
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