Cervical Laminoplasty

What Is A Cervical Laminoplasty?

Cervical LaminoplastyA cervical laminoplasty is a spine surgery that involves reshaping/repositioning bone to relieve excess pressure on the spinal nerve(s) in the cervical spine, or neck. The name of the procedure is derived from the Latin word lamina (thin plate, sheet or layer), and the Greek term plastos (to mold). A laminoplasty differs from a laminectomy in that the lamina is repositioned rather than removed.

How Is A Cervical Laminoplasty Performed?

The operation is performed with the patient on his or her stomach, sedated under general anaesthesia.

Through a small incision made at or near the center of the back of the neck, the surgeon will

  • Cut a groove down one side of the cervical vertebral plates (laminae), creating hinges
  • Cut through the other side of the laminae
  • Remove the tips of the spinous processes, to create room for the bones to pull open like a door
  • Bend each lamina open like a door on its hinge, removing pressure from the spinal cord/nerves
  • Remove any other sources of compression i.e., bone spurs, disc material or excess ligament
  • Place small wedges of bone in the “open” space of each door, and then secure the doors in the open position with instrumentation
  • Ease the soft tissues back into place and close the incision

Dr. Rosenberg rarely recommends this procedure