Posterior Cervical Laminotomy

Posterior Cervical Laminotomies are performed to relieve pressure on a compressed spinal nerve in the neck. Unlike a laminectomy, a laminotomy is normally done with only a portion of the lamina needs to be taken out in order to remove the material that is compressing nerve roots, instead of the entire lamina. Removal of bone spurs or herniated discs usually relieves the associated neck and arm pain.

During this procedure, an incision is made on the back of the neck. With the aid of a surgical microscope, surgical instruments are used to remove a portion of the lamina, which ensures a high degree of accuracy. If there is a herniated disc, removing this portion of the lamina allows access for removing pieces of the disc that are compressing the spinal nerve. If bone spurs are present, that may also be removed to take the pressure off the painfully compressed nerves.