Decompression

Laminectomy

Opening the Spinal Canal to Relieve Pressure

A laminectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures used to treat spinal stenosis and other conditions where the spinal cord or nerves are compressed. By removing part of the lamina (the bony “roof” of the vertebra), surgeons create more space in the spinal canal, relieving pressure and reducing symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. At Desert Spine and Pain, neurosurgeon Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS performs laminectomies using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, allowing for smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and quicker recovery.

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What Is a Laminectomy?

  • In simple terms: A laminectomy removes the back part of the vertebra to make more room for nerves and the spinal cord.

  • Scientifically: Laminectomy involves surgical excision of the lamina and ligamentum flavum, sometimes with partial facetectomy or osteophytectomy, to decompress thecal sac contents and nerve roots. It may be performed with or without fusion depending on stability.

Conditions Treated

  • Spinal stenosis (lumbar, cervical, or thoracic)

  • Radiculopathy caused by narrowed foramina

  • Myelopathy from cord compression

  • Herniated discs with significant stenosis

  • Bone spurs (osteophytes) from arthritis

  • Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal

The Laminectomy Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

  1. Anesthesia: You’re asleep under general anesthesia.

  2. Incision: A small incision is made over the affected spinal level.

  3. Muscle-sparing approach: Muscles are gently moved aside using tubular retractors.

  4. Bone removal: The lamina and sometimes the ligamentum flavum are removed.

  5. Nerve decompression: Pinched nerves are freed from pressure.

  6. Closure: The incision is closed; many patients walk the same day.

Surgeon-Level Detail

  • Docking: MIS tubular retractor or open exposure; microscope for magnification.

  • Lamina removal: High-speed drill thins lamina; Kerrison punches remove bone and ligamentum flavum.

  • Foraminotomy: Medial facetectomy and osteophytectomy enlarge foraminal corridor if nerve roots compressed.

  • Fusion consideration: If instability exists (e.g., spondylolisthesis, multi-level resection), interbody fusion and pedicle screws may be added.

  • Closure: Hemostasis secured; layered closure; drain rarely used in MIS.

Benefits of Laminectomy

  • Reliable relief of leg or arm pain, numbness, and weakness

  • Improved walking tolerance and function in stenosis patients

  • Can be done minimally invasively with smaller incisions

  • May prevent progression of myelopathy or neurologic deficits

  • Outpatient or short-stay procedure in many cases

Risks & Limitations

  • Infection, bleeding, CSF leak (dural tear)

  • Nerve injury (rare with neurosurgical precision)

  • Spinal instability if too much bone is removed without fusion

  • Recurrence of stenosis or scar tissue formation over time

  • Does not always relieve isolated back pain without nerve compression

Recovery Timeline

  • Day 0–1: Walking same or next day; hospital stay 0–2 nights

  • Weeks 1–2: Wound healing; daily short walks encouraged

  • Weeks 2–6: Return to desk work possible; activity increased gradually

  • 6–12 weeks: Begin or advance physical therapy; core strengthening emphasized

  • 3–6 months: Return to most activities; nerve recovery ongoing

  • 6–12 months: Long-term recovery; fusion confirmed if performed

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

  • Expert neurosurgeon: Dr. Greenwald specializes in precision decompression surgery across all spinal regions

  • MIS focus: Minimally invasive laminectomy whenever possible for faster recovery

  • Comprehensive evaluation: Surgery only recommended when conservative care fails

  • Compassionate care: We take time to explain options and support patients through every step

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between laminectomy and laminotomy?

Laminectomy removes the full lamina; laminotomy removes only part. Both decompress the spinal canal.

Will I need a fusion with laminectomy?

Only if instability is present or created during decompression. Many laminectomies do not require fusion.

How soon can I walk after surgery?

Most patients walk the same day or next morning.

How soon will my leg or arm pain improve?

Many patients experience immediate relief of nerve symptoms, though full nerve recovery can take months.

How does Desert Spine and Pain perform laminectomy differently?

We use microsurgical, minimally invasive techniques guided by neurosurgical expertise, always tailored to your diagnosis.

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD

Neuro-Spine Surgeon

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If you’re experiencing back or leg pain, numbness, or weakness caused by spinal nerve compression, a laminectomy may be the solution to lasting relief. Dr. Greenwald and his caring team will evaluate your condition, review your imaging, and determine whether this procedure is right for you. Every step you take toward expert spine care brings you closer to reduced pain, improved function, and renewed freedom of movement. Schedule your consultation today and discover how Dr. Greenwald can help you regain comfort and confidence through advanced spinal surgery.

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Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon with extensive expertise in laminectomy, a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or bone overgrowth. During the procedure, Dr. Greenwald carefully removes the lamina—the small portion of bone that covers the spinal canal—to create more space and decompress the affected nerves. Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, he minimizes tissue disruption, reduces recovery time, and maximizes long-term results. Patients throughout South Florida trust Dr. Greenwald for his precision, experience, and compassionate approach to restoring comfort, mobility, and quality of life through expert spinal decompression surgery.

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