Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion

Cervical laminectomy is a procedure to treat spinal stenosis. The back of the spinal canal is removed by cutting the lamina to provide more space for the spinal cord and nerve roots. By relieving pressure on the spinal cord it is the goal of cervical laminectomy to stop the progression of damage to the spinal cord and allow for as much recovery of function as possible. Other procedures, including laminoplasty can also be performed for this condition. Drs. Kent, Martin and Murphy will provide details of the procedure that is right for you as well as the benefits and risks. They will also provide instructions for your care before and after the procedure.

Cervical spinal fusion (arthrodesis) is a surgery that joins selected bones in the neck (cervical spine ). There are different methods of performing a cervical spinal fusion: Bone can be taken from elsewhere in your body or obtained from a bone bank (a bone graft). The bone is used to make a bridge between vertebrae that are next to each other (adjacent). This bone graft stimulates the growth of new bone. Man-made (artificial) fusion materials may also be used. Metal implants can be used to hold the vertebrae together until new bone grows between them. Metal plates can be screwed into the bone, joining adjacent vertebrae. An entire vertebra can be removed, and the spine then fused. A spinal disc can be removed and the adjacent vertebrae fused. This procedure can be performed through an incision on the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the neck.