At Orthopedic Specialists, our highly skilled orthopedic spine surgeons have been performing neck, midback, and lower back surgery for nearly ten years. We perform vertebral laminectomy and corpectomy (also referred to as cervical, thoracic, and lumbar laminectomy and corpectomy). These procedures can help relieve neck pain, spine pain, and back pain in the cervical region, thoracic region, and lumbar region of the spine. Most adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, but if this becomes persistent and debilitating, it may require medical attention.
Cervical Laminectomy
Cervical laminectomy is an orthopedic procedure used to treat spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, in the neck. During this neck surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision on the back of the neck in order to access the vertebrae. The surgeon removes the lamina (the bony arch on the back of the vertebrae) and any bone spurs (outgrowths of bone caused by inflammation), alleviating pressure from the spinal cord and nerve roots. The incision is closed and drains may be inserted into the incision to avoid fluid buildup.
Thoracic Laminectomy and Lumbar Laminectomy
Thoracic laminectomy and lumbar laminectomy are orthopedic procedures used to treat spinal stenosis in the midback and lower back. During this spine surgery, your spine surgeon will make an incision down the lower back, and carefully move the muscles aside in order to access the spine. The surgeon removes the spinous process (the bones felt when touching the middle portion of the lower back), the damaged lamina (the bony arch on the back of the vertebrae), and clears away any bone fragments that are constricting the nerves.
Cervical Corpectomy
Cervical corpectomy is an orthopedic procedure that relieves pain caused by diseased or deformed vertebrae in the neck. During this neck surgery, your spine surgeon will make an incision on the back of the neck to access the spine, and carefully remove damaged spinal discs and bone fragments. This takes pressure off the irritated spinal cord. The surgeon then inserts screws into the vertebrae above and below the gap, fixing the spinal curvature and deformity. A bone graft is inserted into the empty space, stimulating bone healing.
Thoracic Corpectomy and Lumbar Corpectomy
Thoracic and lumbar corpectomy are orthopedic procedures that relieve pain caused by diseased or deformed vertebrae in the midback and lower back. During this spine surgery, your spinal surgeon will make an incision on the back, and carefully remove damaged spinal discs and bone fragments. This takes pressure off the irritated spinal cord. The surgeon then inserts screws into the vertebrae above and below the gap, fixing the spinal curvature and deformity. A bone graft is inserted into the empty space, stimulating bone healing.
Recovery Process
A laminectomy and corpectomy are both major surgical procedures that require general anesthesia. This means you won’t be awake during surgery and will have a comfortable and pain-free experience. Because these surgeries typically involve cutting through muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones in the vertebrae, the recovery process involves extensive follow-up care and physical therapy that may last several months or more. Often, the surgeon will recommend wearing a brace or cervical collar in order to maintain spine alignment.
To learn more about what to expect when you undergo a cervical, thoracic, or lumbar laminectomy or corpectomy, visit our Surgery Preparation/Recovery page.
