Laminectomy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a laminectomy?
The bony arches behind the sac of nerves in the lower back are called laminae. Laminectomy is a procedure were the surgeon removes a small amount of bone and tissue that is compressing the nerves.
Source: www.orthos.co.nz
It’s a moderate to major surgical procedure to remove the lamina – the part of bone in the spine covering the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The purpose of this procedure is to gain access to the nerves, to treat spinal stenosis or remove a disc herniation.
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A laminectomy is the removal of a small portion of the vertebra, (lamina) around the affected area. This is done to relieve pressure on the nerve roots.
Source: www.espine.com
Laminectomy is removal of the back side of the spinal canal under which lie the nerve tissues. This provides access to the nerves and the discs for specific treatment. When commonly performed in the "low back" or lumbar spine this may actually be below the level of the spinal cord itself. A laminectomy is, in the strictest sense, the removal of the lamina or roof of the spine. ...
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the vertebrae to expose the disc that is believed to be responsible for back pain. The word "lamina" describes the rear portion of the vertebrae that the surgeon removes to create a 'window' to access the disc. The surgeon can then remove the portion of the disc felt to be compressing the nerve fibers. We encourage you to view the video on Decompressive Lumbar Laminectomy .
Source: www.lordexpdx.com
What is lumbar laminectomy?
Lumbar laminectomy is the removal of part of the bony canal around the nerve to relieve pressure. It can be preformed through an opening or using minimally invasive techniques. See Howell Allen’s Specialties page .
Source: howellallen.com
What’s a laminectomy?
A laminectomy means removal of a portion of the spine bone. The back of the vertebra is called the lamina. Removing a portion of the lamina gives the surgeon access to the spinal canal.
Source: www.taiwanspinecenter.com.tw
WHAT CONDITIONS DOES LAMINECTOMY TREAT?
Laminectomy is usually used to treat a condition called spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a condition in which there is nerve impingement due to bone spurs, calcium deposits, or thickened ligaments. In the process of the laminectomy, these offending structures are removed, therefore "freeing up" the nerves. A laminectomy is also sometimes used to decompress the nerves when they are compressed by other conditions, such a tumor, large herniated disk, or bone fragments from fracture.
Source: www.ncsi.tv
How is the Laminotomy procedure different from a Laminectomy?
open up the spinal canal, we use an endoscopic approach for laminotomies-without the need for general anesthesia. We do not perform laminectomies. A laminotomy is a surgical procedure that is used to relieve pressure off the spinal canal for the exiting nerve root and spinal cord, increasing the amount of space available for the neural tissue and thus releasing the nerve(s). ...
Source: www.laserspineinstitute.com
Can I get Spinal Decompression if I had a laminectomy?
In most cases, yes, as long as you didn't have a bilateral laminectomy (both; i.e., left and right, laminas of the same vertebra were removed). In addition, the surgery must have had at least twelve (12) months to heal.
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What are the risks/complications associated with laminectomy?
Some of the possible complications of laminectomy include: Infection of the wound
Blood clots in the legs
Splitting open of the wound (wound dehiscence)
Injury to the spinal cord
Paraplegia or quadriplegia (depending on the site and severity of the spinal cord injury)
Post-laminectomy syndrome, consisting of chronic back pain and spinal instability
Source: healthbase.wordpress.com
What is a laminectomy and why is it necessary?
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure for treating spinal stenosis by relieving pressure on the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made up of vertebrae. Laminectomy is performed to remove the part of the vertebra called the lamina. The removal or trimming of the vertebra widens the spinal canal to create more space for the spinal nerves thereby taking pressure off the nerves in either the back or the neck. One of the most common reasons for laminectomy is a prolapsed or herniated intervertebral disc. ...
Source: healthbase.wordpress.com
How do I know which is the right Kerrison Laminectomy punch for my needs?
There are various characteristics and options of the Kerrison Laminectomy punches which can be combined in any way. You can choose between the following options (photos A,B and C) : Shaft length Our standard shaft lengths include: 18 cm, 20 cm, 23 cm, 25 cm, 28 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm. However, we can produce any shaft length (photo D) in between and even above. Please feel free to contact us for any requests. We will be happy to help you. ...
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Why do my feet feel numb “asleep” following lumbar laminectomy surgery?
Numbness after surgery is not uncommon. It is one of the slowest symptoms to go away.
Source: www.drmelisi.com
What determines whether I will have an operation from in front (anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion) or from behind (cervical laminectomy)?
Quite simply, if the disc or spur is pressing on the cord or nerve root from in front, then that is the preferred method of removal. In that way, the spinal cord or nerve root does not have to be retracted or even touched. The anterior route is preferred especially when there is just one level involved. If there are multiple levels, and/or if the pressure on the neural structures is from behind, then the preferred route is from behind.
Source: www.hlcares.com
I just had a lumbar laminectomy a month ago. Is it safe for me to engage in rehab?
Post-surgical patients are well served by rehab but must be careful not to disrupt the surgical repair. For a simple laminectomy/discectomy the soft tissues are usually well healed and able to withstand maximum work-outs after 8 weeks. Until that point patients are placed in our sub-maximal program. Proper exercise during the post operative period, while the soft tissues are still healing, can influence the way in which the collagen is laid down. ...
Source: www.pnbconline.com
Should two codes be assigned for excision of a herniated disc and a decompressive laminectomy performed during the same operative session?
Codes 03.09 and 80.51 should never be assigned together when performed at the same site and session. If these two procedures are performed at different vertebral levels, then it is appropriate to assign both codes together. Remember that the decompressive laminectomy code is included in 80.51. If the decompression is the only procedure performed, then assign code 03.09 for "Other exploration and decompression of spinal cord. "
Source: www.medtronicspinal.com
Should two codes be assigned when a decompression laminectomy and facetectomy are performed at the same level?
Only one code should be assigned for a decompression laminectomy and facetectomy of the same level. Suggest code 03.09 for "Other exploration and decompression of the spinal cord. " Code 77.89 should not be billed as there is an exclusion note under the code 77.x heading stating that this range of codes excludes laminectomy for decompression (03.09). Are both discectomy and removal of disc fragments included in code 80.51, "Excision of intervertebral disc? ...
Source: www.medtronicspinal.com
