Are you experiencing arm numbness or neck pain? This pain can quickly make daily tasks or everyday life much more difficult. One way to help treat this pain and help you mitigate any symptoms is posterior cervical laminoplasty surgery.
This procedure can help alleviate symptoms brought on by medical conditions that can affect your cervical spine, such as herniated discs, spinal compression fractures, and spinal stenosis. Our skilled team at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery can help you figure out the best treatment plan for your needs in order to help alleviate pain or other symptoms.
What Is Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery?
Posterior cervical laminoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to alleviate symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord in the neck. It entails removing a portion of the vertebral bone, known as the lamina, to increase space within the canal and alleviate compression on the spinal cord or nerve endings.
The surgery is typically performed on patients with spinal stenosis, which is when the spinal canal narrows, which then leads to nerve root or spinal cord compression. During the procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and a small incision is made in the back of the neck. The orthopedic surgeon then carefully dissects the muscles to expose the cervical spine.
Once the affected vertebrae are identified, the surgeon removes a portion of the lamina to make more room in the spinal canal. The remaining lamina is secured using plates, screws, or sutures. It creates a hinge-like structure that allows the lamina to remain elevated and maintain the enlarged space in the spinal canal.
Posterior cervical laminoplasty is more minimally invasive compared to other traditional surgeries. Because only a portion of the lamina is taken out in posterior cervical laminoplasty, the procedure is associated with less blood loss, fewer complications, and a shorter hospital stay.
What Are the Benefits of Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery?
Posterior cervical laminoplasty surgery offers several benefits for patients suffering from neck pain and other symptoms brought about by spinal stenosis and other spinal conditions. By creating more space in the spinal canal, the procedure effectively:
- Alleviates pressure on the spinal cord
- Reduces symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and legs
- Helps stabilize the cervical spine and reduces the risk of further damage or injury
Most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms after having the procedure, which helps them return to normal activities pain-free.
Are There Risks of Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery?
Like any surgery, associated risks do exist. For instance, there may be nerve root injuries during surgery, resulting in weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the arms or legs. Additionally, there’s a risk of infection or bleeding during or after the surgery, which can be serious or even life-threatening.
Patients may also encounter pain or discomfort after the procedure, lasting several weeks or months. Patients may also experience complications related to the recuperation process, such as delayed wound healing or the development of scar tissue. Patients contemplating posterior cervical laminoplasty should carefully weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before deciding to undergo the procedure.
Overall, however, the risk of complications is relatively low, especially in the hands of a specialist, and most patients recover well with proper care and rehabilitation.
What to Expect Before and After Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery
Patients considering this surgery need to discuss their options with a qualified spine specialist, who can help them determine whether posterior cervical laminoplasty is ideal.
Overall, the surgical procedure can provide significant relief for patients with pain related to spinal stenosis and can help them improve their overall well-being. Before having a posterior cervical laminoplasty surgery, you must undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure you’re a favorable candidate. This may include a physical exam, imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan, and other diagnostic tests your spine specialist may deem necessary.
You also need to discuss with your physician your medical history, including any medications you’re taking, in preparation for the surgery. After the procedure, you will be hospitalized for a few days for proper monitoring and post-operative care. Any pain and discomfort you experience following the procedure can be remedied with medications. In addition, you will need to undergo a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain neck and arm strength and mobility.
Consult Spine Specialists at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery Today
If you’ve been experiencing unexplained back and neck pain, seek medical attention from experienced spine specialists. The Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery team collaborates with some of the country’s most skilled and experienced spine surgeons, specializing in the latest minimally-invasive surgical techniques to treat all spinal conditions.
By choosing our team, you can rest assured you’ll receive personalized, expert care tailored to your unique needs. Don’t let spinal pain impact your quality of life any longer. Talk to a knowledgeable spine specialist at (855) 853-6542 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a comprehensive consultation today.