Lumbar Laminectomy, Fusion – Uninstrumented

Also called a decompression, a lumbar laminectomy and fusion that is uninstrumented is done to treat pain cause by degenerative conditions in the lower back. Narrow spinal canals and pressure on the spinal nerves can occur from disc degeneration and/or bone spurs. A laminectomy removes part of the vertebral lamina to reduce this pressure. Bone grafts can be used for fusing vertebrae to stabilize and support the spine following the laminectomy.

In patents with little or no instability, adding instruments to help support the spine during fusion is not necessary. The bone grafts can sufficiently stabilize the spinei without the use of screws.