Cervical Laminoplasty

A laminoplasty is a surgical procedure that enlarges the spinal canal. A section of bone called the lamina usually forms a rigid “roof” over the spinal canal; laminoplasty props that “roof” open a little. During a laminoplasty, a hinge is created on one side of the lamina, and the other side is wedged open with a bone strut or a small metallic plate.

Cervical laminoplasty is sometimes performed to treat conditions in which a narrowing spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord. This pressure is called compression, and a laminoplasty is a type of decompression surgery–it gives the spinal cord and spinal nerves more room so that they are no longer compressed.

On the spinal nerves, compression can produce radiculopathy: pain, weakness, or numbness in a single arm or hand.On the spinal cord, compression is an even more serious problem. Compression can permanently damage the delicate tissues of the spinal cord. Spinal cord compression is called myelopathy, and it may produce weakness, or numbness in both arms or legs, difficulty walking, or impaired bowel or bladder control.

Conditions sometimes treated by decompression with a cervical laminoplasty include:

• ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, a condition in which a ligament in the spinal canal becomes thickened and inflexible
• cervical spondylotic myelopathy, degenerative changes that cause myelopathy in the cervical spine
• cervical stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical spine

A cervical laminoplasty may also be performed when a surgeon needs to access the spinal cord for another reason. For example, a cervical laminoplasty can allow access to the spinal cord for the surgical treatment of:

• • tumors
  • vascular malformations, tangles of abnormal blood vessels
  • syringomyelia, fluid-filled cysts within the spinal cord

This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made down the middle of the back of the neck, and the back of the spinal column is exposed.

Using an operating microscope and very fine surgical instruments, the surgeon makes a thin cut in the bone at the junction of the lamina and a spinal joint called the facet joint. This cut extends through the outer and middle layers of bone. On the other side of the bone, a similar cut is made that extends through the outer, middle and inner layer of bone. Once both cuts have been made, the lamina is wedged open, immediately opening up the spinal canal and relieving pressure on the spinal cord. The wedged-open portion is kept open with a small metal plate or a piece of bone.

During a laminoplasty, the surgeon may also perform a foraminotomy. This procedure enlarges the foramina, the holes through which nerve roots exit the spinal cord. A foraminotomy can relieve pressure on the nerve roots.

The surgeon will then close the incision and dress it with a bandage.

Cervical Laminoplasty surgery is regularly performed by Spine Specialist Doctor in mumbai Dr. Priyank Patel.  Dr. Priyank Patel is attached with as Spine Specialist Doctor at Lilavati Hospital mumbai, Cumball Hill Hospital, KLS Hospital mumbai. You can also Contact as Spine Clinic Thane if you are looking for Spine Doctor in Thane