Procedure for Lumbar Laminectomy for Spine

What is Back Surgery?

Back surgery is performed in cases of chronic back pain in some instances to become physically fit. Common types of back surgery are spinal fusion, laminectomy, foraminotomy, discectomy, disk replacement, and interlaminar implant. For conducting the back surgery, the underlying conditions are initially studied, and then accordingly performed.

What is Decompressive Laminectomy?

A decompressive Laminectomy or open laminectomy is a back surgery performed to relieve the pressure of the spinal nerves. This condition is known as spinal stenosis. This pressure or stenosis in the spine is usually developed overtime with age being the contributing factor.

Causes for Pressure Build Up on Spinal Nerves

Spinal stenosis is a condition wherein the spinal column narrows and consequently leads to added pressure on the spinal nerves. The spinal stenosis may be caused by a number of factors such as:

• Arthritis of the spine resulting in bony overgrowths or arcs within the spinal canal.
• Age related issues like spine disc shrinking and swelling of the bones and ligaments
• Slippage of Vertebra either in the forward or backward direction onto the adjacent vertebra. This condition is called spondylolisthesis and commonly occurs in the lower back.
• Congenital defects
• Spine tumor
• Traumatic injury

To alleviate the pressure, a surgical procedure known as laminectomy is performed wherein the lamina and bone spurs are removed consequently resulting in the enlargement of the spinal canal. The lamina is that part of the back bone that forms the spine vertebral arch. The decompressive laminectomy is performed when medications and physical therapy fail to relieve the stress and pain in the patient.

What Is the Recovery Time for Laminectomy?

This procedure can sometimes be done on an outpatient basis, but the patient needs to stay in the This procedure can sometimes be done on an outpatient basis, but the patient needs to stay in the hospital for at least 2-3 days. The patient will be asked to walk within a few hours of surgery. Certain precautions need to be taken during the laminectomyrecovery time like:

hospital for at least 2-3 days. The patient will be asked to walk within a few hours of surgery. Certain precautions need to be taken during the laminectomy recovery time like:

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous job
• Avoid climbing stairs
• Need to follow certain positions while sleeping, getting in and out of bed, and moving the body.

Gradual increase in activities under strict medical supervision is suggested followed by regular medical follow-ups.

What Is Post Laminectomy Syndrome?

The recurring pain even after the decompression surgery is called the post laminectomy syndrome.

Causes of Pain Caused Due to Laminectomy Syndrome

The pain in Laminectomy Syndrome may be caused due to a number of factors; the prime causes are as follows:

• Returning herniation of the disc
• Return of nerve root compression
• Tissue build-up in the scar
• Spinal instability
• Joint hypermobility
• Lifestyle induced problems like diabetes, anxiety, and autoimmune disorders

The underlying problem is to be first identified, and treatment is followed by conservative measures, improvement in lifestyle, and physical therapy.