Cervical laminoplasty is a procedure that reshapes or repositions vertebral bones to relieve stress on the nerves of the cervical spine. The vertebrae are the bones that form the spinal column, which protects your spinal cord. The lamina is the back portion of the vertebral bone, which forms a roof over the back of spinal cord. Several medical conditions and age-related changes can cause your vertebra to move from their normal position and impinge into the spinal canal. This can affect the surrounding nerves, muscles and ligaments, causing postural problem, difficulty in movement and discomfort.
Depending upon the individual factors, your doctor may use the most appropriate approach to reach your vertebrae and correct any problems.
Indications of cervical laminoplasty
Minimally invasive cervical laminoplasty may be indicated for a number of medical conditions including:
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)
- Cervical spondylosis
- Herniated disk
- Osteophytes
- Thickened or ossified spinal ligaments
- Tumours of the spinal cord
- Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal
Surgery is useful in patients have that have failed to respond to more conservative methods of treatment such as physical therapy and medications.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion procedure
The surgery is performed by either an orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon. The surgical approach and methodology used will be determined by surgeon by considering various factors. This type of surgery takes place under general anaesthesia so that you don’t feel any pain during the surgery.
An incision about three to four inches long is made at the back of your neck. The neck muscles and tissues are dissected to expose the back portion of the vertebrae, called the lamina. The surgeon then cuts rear of the vertebrae is open to take pressure off the nerve roots and spinal cord. Small wedges made of the bone are placed in the open gap to prevent the vertebral bone from closing completely. After the procedure the spinal cord and the root nerves rest comfortably, without being compressed. The muscles and soft tissues are then put back in their places and the incision is closed surgically.
Postoperative patient-care
After the surgery, you may feel slight pain around the incision area which reduces within a few days or can be relieved with prescribed pain medications. X-rays may be taken by your surgeon to determine the outcome of your surgical procedure. Your surgeon may also recommend diets rich in calcium and vitamin D to promote bone healing.
Most of the patients are normally able to get out of bed within a few hours after the surgery. You may be asked to wear a soft neck collar and to move your neck very gently and comfortably.
Recovery
You may feel an immediate relief from your original symptoms over a period of time. You can return to work within a few months, depending on how quickly your body heals, and the type of work you do.
