Cervical Laminoplasty

A motion-preserving procedure where the spinal cord is decompressed by lifting bone away from the areas of pinching. These bony pieces are flapped open and stabilized with small plates and screws.

This is done at multiple levels in the neck for the appropriate selected patients.

  • After anesthesia is given, an incision is made directly over the spine in the back of the neck. This incision is guided with x-ray.

    The areas of spinal cord compression are identified. The pinched bony areas are cut and flapped open (a la opening a door). This bone is kept open with a small plate and screw.

    This is repeated at multiple levels as needed.

    Intraoperative X-rays are done to confirm placement, and the wound is checked for bleeding and the incision is sutured closed.

    1. Decompressing the spinal cord

    2. Preserving motion (no fusion)

  • Depending on medical history, age, and surgical extent, some patients may spend one or multiple nights in the hospital for therapy and pain control.

    Soreness from the incision site can remain for weeks. Muscles can spasm from surgery as they do not like getting pushed around. Nerve relief can be felt within days. The low neck can feel sore, but it’s a different type of discomfort that before surgery.

    Return to work times vary, some people are able to return to light work 3 weeks after surgery. For those with a very physically demanding job, return to work may not happen until 6-12 weeks after surgery.

  • There is no surgery without risks. They include but are not limited to: bad reaction to anesthesia, spinal cord injury, surgical site infection, prolonged pain, nerve injury, implant failure, failure of fusion, spinal fluid leak, and the need for additional surgery.