What is a 3 level laminectomy?

A lumbar laminectomy is performed for patients with symptomatic, painful lumbar spinal stenosis occurring at multiple (> 3 vertebrae) levels of the spine. It is performed to remove the large, arthritic osteophytes (bone spurs) that are compressing the spinal nerves.

What is the purpose of a laminectomy?

Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps ease pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis), or tumors.

How painful is a laminectomy?

In some cases, despite performing a laminectomy, patients experience pain because the spinal column itself is narrowed in a condition called spinal stenosis. Sometimes, there may be a small fragment of the disc still remaining following the laminectomy which can irritate the spinal-cord causing pain.

Do you need physical therapy after a laminectomy?

In general, you should expect to start physical therapy 4 to 6 weeks after your lumbar laminectomy or discectomy. If there were any post-operative complications like infection or excessive bleeding, then you may need to wait a bit longer.

How do you sleep after a laminectomy?

It is generally OK after back surgery to sleep in whatever position is most comfortable. Some prefer to sleep on one side or the other with a pillow between their knees and/or behind them to support the back.

How long do you wear a back brace after laminectomy?

Depending on the surgery and your general condition, you may only have to wear your back brace for two weeks or until your first post-op visit. Lumbar fusion surgery patients will have to wear their brace for a longer period of time, up to three months, especially as they return to work and to normal activities.

How does a thoracic laminectomy remove a tumor?

A thoracic laminectomy removes the lamina from vertebral bodies, providing access to remove the tumor and eliminate pressure on the spinal cord. After removing bone, instrumentation can be added to stabilize the vertebrae.

What do you need to know about laminectomy surgery?

Laminectomy is surgery that creates space by removing the lamina — the back part of a vertebra that covers your spinal canal. Also known as decompression surgery, laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

What happens when you have a posterior cervical laminectomy?

Cervical stenosis can place pressure on the spinal cord. If most of the compression is in the back, the cervical stenosis can be treated with a posterior cervical laminectomy. The objective of this procedure is to remove the lamina (and spinous process) to give the spinal cord more room. What Occurs during Posterior Cervical Laminectomy?

Can a laminectomy be done for cervical stenosis?

Cervical stenosis can place pressure on the spinal cord. If most of the compression is in the back, the cervical stenosis can be treated with a posterior cervical laminectomy. The objective of this procedure is to remove the lamina (and spinous process) to give the spinal cord more room.

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